You said LAC. These mostly aren’t. The first I thought of was W&L because it’s strong in journalism although not a great college town. You have everything …safety, reach, and target.
If you are chasing merit you need to look at schools (for journalism…everyone will have soc)….Arizona and Alabama will be your best merit….your tuition at both likely a few thousand (4.0 worth $35k at AZ and it’s a fine school). Both are solid journalism. ASU….less merit…is outstanding in journalism. FSU, Miami, South Carolina, Arkansas, Ms State, and Mizzou are other strong high merit choices. All have Honors Colleges which will provide a smaller atmosphere.
As for smaller schools to look at with potentially nice merit and journalism…Hofstra and Bradley will both tell you your scholarship on their website. Richmond, Denver, Emerson, Whitworth,Evansville, and Drake. Which is a ‘college’ town type area you’d need to investigate.
Good luck.
The stats are awesome although at UNC, W&L you are likely a test optional candidate. But at many schools I listed that 4.0 will get you paid which is why so many from the Northeast, Midwest, and West are heading South or West for school. Congrats to your daughter.