If budget is an issue, do a “match me.” As long as your budget is $40k, there’s lots of schools. Some at $30k and even potentially $20k.
Btw merit in and of itself doesn’t matter. Overall cost does. Some schools are cheaper full pay than others with merit.
If you do a match me and state the desired budget, you’ll be given schools that fit. Obviously the more geographically flexible you are, the better. AP’ in many cases, won’t help or hinder in this regard. They may in some but likely not a high percentage.