Illinois is tough… hard to get enough merit at UIUC. She would likely do well at NIU or Illinois Wesleyan (private) if she’d look at those. Top students at my kids’ high school have followed the money to University of Alabama. Other likely options would be Arizona State, Iowa State, University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, University of Kentucky. Indiana University and University of Minnesota maybe. She’d likely get into the honors colleges - which brings the rigor she might want if not more money. Many private colleges give good merit aid also, especially if you look beyond the big names. Since the NPC won’t be accurate for your employment situation, your daughter should focus on merit rather than need based aid if possible.