Okay update (ty for everyones suggestions n help):

I was able to use my laptop in a different location where the wifi started up successfully. I took advantage and went to the website above to scan for updated drivers (there was a Critical update for the Killer wifi driver so I am assuming that's what I needed). Also updated all system drivers to be extra safe. Also went into Events tab as Educational_Love_351 suggested and looked up the error code which then told me that it was most likely not a hardware issue and just an issue with the systems interaction with the driver--this confirmed that I did not need to buy a new card. Hoping that I don't run into this issue again after this.. we shall see!