@auntbea , in-state in IL isn’t cheap either, unless OP goes the community college route.
The Midwest Exchange schools like UIPUI and U of Akron are less expensive for IL residents, with the discount, than UIC or Illinois State (which is also a reasonable option admissions-wise).
OP, the upward grade trend will help, if you’re borderline for admission.
But the 30k-ish limit is going to constrain your choices to in-state (and those will stretch the budget) or Midwest Exchange schools. Luckily there are good options on that list. Quite a few of them impose GPA thresholds to get the MSEP rate (for example, Kansas State and Missouri State both require a 3.5) so you have to click through to the “view details” page to make sure. UIPUI and Akron do not state that there’s any GPA or test score requirement to get the discounted rate. The U of Wisconsin schools, and U of MO St. Louis, look okay too if you can get in. You’ll have to go down the list and check the ones that interest you.
Last thing - I haven’t suggested Truman State (in Missouri) because it’s a little reachy for your stats and more rural than the schools you say you like; but it’s an excellent public LAC and a great financial deal - cheaper than any other school we’ve discussed, at under $20K with the MSEP discount. Average GPA is 3.76 and average ACT is 27, but they accept 79% of applicants so with your EC’s and upward grade trend you may have a shot, and there’s no GPA cutoff for the discount if you can get in. http://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/pre-dental-studies/
Good luck!