Am I creating a conflict that isn't necessary or is my point of view valid?

Yes it seems to be a conflict that is not necessary. She seems to have a great chance at admission to a good school with her experiences. She could go anywhere, and work anywhere.

Does she prefer city? One school in a nice setting is Endicott in Beverly MA, right on the ocean, with Beverly and Salem hospitals nearby and a short train ride to Boston. Not sure how costly it is though.