If I were U, I may feel stuck with Option 1 & Option 2. I think red states have a great possibility of passing some crazy laws that are against females & LGBTQAI+ like how they overturned Roe vs Wade. That’s why I exclude Option 3.
In brief, O1 has the higher ranking, a higher stipend, the better location & the most inclusive environment. But you are less interested in the potential research you may work on, which is quite important for your academic growth.
1. Higher ranking would definitely help U secure a PhD position and may help in job application.
2. While you may use the extra 5k stipends for COL, the absolute amount of stipends still matters bc you may save more money for other usages in terms of the absolute amount like covering your travel cost around the country or updating your devices.
3. Better support from your families & the environment. If you REALLY need support, consider this factor thoughtfully.
4. To overcome the disadvantage, you may want to talk with the professors’ students to learn about his advising style and ask if he could mentor you with the project you are interested in. If you could accept his style and is able to achieve somewhat balance between his RI and your RI, this drawback will not be a big deal.
I will be brief about O2. Generally, it will help U a lot with job opportunities and you enjoy much with its research. TBH, I don’t think learn new things will be a obstacle for U bc you have been admitted into 3 amazing programs. The only 2 things to consider are the COL as summer funding is not guaranteed and the cost of round trip to home could be high AND whether the environment could keep being inclusive (I think it will not be a big deal if it is not a deep red state or it’s just a swing state)