I have no problem with anyone going to full-ride schools (HBCU or others), but also feel it might be a good idea to look locally if, like in OP’s case, she might have schools in her own state she can attend (by commuting) inexpensively.
Traveling back and forth to AK, NC, AL is not going to be free, and like @intparent pointed out OOS schools might not accept existing insurance.