WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR A STRONG ENGLISH DEGREE?!

I imagine a lot of people here have strong opinions on a variety of undergraduate english programs, I'm coming here to hear those directly. I've already been looking at schools like the university of Chicago and Boston College but with those both being bigger reaches for me I was wondering if there are any other rigorous/fervent english programs people would recommend? The most important piece to me is an exceptional level of education but I'm also looking for one's with good tracks towards an eventual PHD (I'd like to be a professor) and strong creative writing programs since writing is my main passion.

note: one of my bigger concerns with university is having access to good scholarships and grants since my family falls right in the middle where we aren't applicable for financial aid but can't afford to pay how expensive tuition is now. I've heard LAC's are a good fit for those needs but I'm not sure where to start looking.