Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri is a liberal arts college with Unitarian roots, set on a pretty campus with actual community. Academics are solid, classes are small, and professors know their students. The student body is intellectually curious without being pretentious, and the location is small-town Missouri, which offers quiet and affordability.
Merit aid is available, and the school is serious about attracting good students. You'll graduate with real friendships, solid academic preparation, and a network that actually matters. If you want liberal arts education at a fair price in the Midwest, Westminster MO is genuine and underrated.