By tri-state area, I mean around NY, NJ, and CT as a whole. Sorry for not clarifying that earlier. I also think that eastern Pennsylvania schools are also an option. I understand that Carnegie Mellon is one of the schools that are farthest from me, however. As far as schools that fit my interests, I know that JHU is a little farther away, but they have a lot of what I want in a school, so they are on my list. Being 4-5 hours from home is okay.
Thank you! I haven’t looked at CUNY, as yet. However, I definitely will be! I will also be looking for as much merit aid as I can.