I’d look at UNC Wilmington. It’s within your parameters (no further South than NC/TN, medium-sized university), has great pre-med and education programs, AND is affordable. Fantastic, growing university just five miles away from the beach. Superb campus and scenery. Fantastic weather. You would stand a chance for some very good merit and Honors College admission. There are many OOS students who come from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey (such as myself), so you shouldn’t have any problems fitting in!
Check out my thread if you have any more questions: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-north-carolina-wilmington/1827864-ask-a-current-uncw-student.html#latest
Best of luck!!