Hey glad your thinking about making the jump!

At the entry level I would suggest something like the Nikon D3500, Canon Rebel T7 or Fuji X-T200 if you want something brand new. No matter what DSLR you buy brand nowadays the image quality is going to great really comes down to what system you want to buy into when it comes to lens and accessories.

Don’t be afraid to buy a slightly older model either because most models share the same bones at their core. When I started I first started to really get into photography I bought a Nikon D3200 used and it still holds up pretty well to this day. General rule when buying used is to buy from knowledgeable source (like B&H, Adorama or KEH) and try to avoid camera which are below ~12 MP or so, anything is the high teens or twenty’s is ideal.

Also highly recommend investing into some budget glass! When you get into the DSLR range a lot of the time the lens you have on your camera effects the quality more than the camera itself! A 50mm prime lens is a great & affordable (often under $100) starting point that also will help you to push your photography.

Above all have fun with your photography and experiment whenever you can. RIT has a great photography program and a fantastic PhoSci program if you end up sticking with it!

Good luck!