I read more.
It sounds to me that you are prestige hungry and that’s going to hurt you as you look for other opportunities. It’s what you learn as much as where you go so open your eyes to schools not in the same vein as northwestern and Chicago. And you worry about journalism rigor - how will you fare at those schools?
If you really want to study environmental policy, check out SUNY ESF - where you can take classes at neighboring Syracuse (and their top ranked Maxwell School). Syracuse works too but too party for you. It’s Northwestern but a bit larger and a few rungs down in pedigree.
U of Pacific is another as would be UNC Asheville.
Too big and maybe too partyish but U Delaware would be another that would meet your academic need.
It sounds as if you’re not giving your current place a fair shake. Maybe you’re in the wrong major. Starting over may work but often a student realizes it’s no better. You have to seek your happiness.