Definitely go with the overall least costs to her is my first response. Be sure the full cost of attendance is considered- usually available on the school websites. This means tuition/fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel expenses etc. There may be extra costs for labs at one school and not the other.
Also consider what she gets for her money. Are all programs fairly equal in caliber? Will she as easily be able to pass certification exams, get a job with each program? I’m assuming she is not using the major as a premedical one. What if she changes her major? Will she be able to?
Hard to believe any school on the east coast is “in the middle of nowhere”- everything is so close there! A good campus means not needing anything else as there is plenty to do on campus.
Personally I would weigh the academic factors first. If one school stands out I would be willing to spend an extra $5-10 grand each year for it. If nonfinancial factors are close go for the least cost.