I would suggest Penn State if cost is not a huge concern. Schreyer Honors College is one of the best honors colleges in the country and there are a lot of perks for this elite cadre of students. Penn State has a tremendous alumni network and also hosts huge job fairs. If your daughter likes the “cultish” quality of Penn State, she will be one of the many happy students in Happy Valley. I think being 3 1/2 hours from home (as opposed to farther away) is a definite plus. Not too close to home, but much easier to transport the student and dorm furnishings and to reach the student in the case of an emergency.
If cost is an issue, Alabama is an excellent choice.