These are merely suggestions for investigations, not recommendations of programs, as I know virtually nothing about the quality of any of the programs. In terms of their strength, I would confer with experts (and I most certainly am not one!).
Xavier has a non-audition MT program, has around 5k undergrads, and Cincinnati is not far from Illinois.
Kent State has about 20k undergrads and its program might be around the same size as those at UMich (based on # of grads in 2022).
If a smaller school that is near other colleges would work, Otterbein may be of interest
As might Webster in Saint Louis.
Maps are snips from Niche.