Hey, I think it’s great that she is being practical about it and not looking for dream school, thinking about her goal rather than the moment.
Maybe she thinks that most schools are pretty similar as far as classes, dorms, cafeterias, etc are concerned.
I would tell her that she can look at the most affordable options a little closer when the offers are in, to see if she prefers a program over others.
Pitt gets a significant amount of NIH research money, there are several hospitals near campus.
But I can also see the wisdom of attending an instate TX school for pre-med and med school, especially if she would be auto-admit.