Check out Clark University in Massachusetts. Its interactive media program is well-regarded and has both 2-D and 3-D tracks. They can give generous merit, and coming from Texas might be extra attractive to them:
Becker School of Design & Technology | Clark University
Another school that offers generous merit aid is DePaul in Chicago. It offers both a BA and a BFA in animation:
https://www.depaul.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/Pages/animation.aspx
Closer to home, check out UT-Dallas (already mentioned) but also take a look at Sam Houston State.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation at Sam Houston State University
Also in the south, she may want to check out the offerings at Georgia State and Oglethorpe to see if anything might fit. Georgia State has more of a commuter reputation, but I’ve heard that’s changing. Oglethorpe is a small residential college that’s increasing its focus on film, and it’s a good one to keep in mind because your D would likely qualify for its Flagship 50 program, meaning that tuition would cost no more than UT-Austin’s in-state tuition. Both schools also participate in the ARCHE Consortium, a group of Atlanta-area colleges which also includes Emory, Georgia Tech, Spelman, etc whereby students can take classes at the other universities. SCAD used to be one of the member institutions, but it no longer appears to be so. Atlanta is big in the movie industry, so lots of connections available there.
https://cmii.gsu.edu/degrees/undergraduate/ https://oglethorpe.edu/academics/programs/art-studio/
And though they’re far from a cooler climate, she may also want to check out U. of South Florida and U. of Central Florida, where she might be able to qualify for a waiver of out-of-state costs, making these schools possibilities to hit the budget.
Animation and Digital Modeling | School of Art & Art History | College of Design, Art & Performance | University of South Florida (with options via a BFA or BA)
Emerging Media (BFA) | Character Animation Track | UCF Degree Emerging Media (BFA) - Animation & Visualization Track Degree | UCF Orlando, FL