I interviewed for a job at Fisher a few years back. They did not seem to be in the best stead. Having worked in higher Ed, I always recommend students look for a smaller school with more financial aid bc in the end it’s about what you make of the experience more than the name of the school but I’m not sure that applies to Fisher. Of those three, I would pick Emmanuel but idk their standing. Lesley used to be the hallmark for early education but I don’t think they have been handled well administratively as of late. You could as others mentioned stay in NC for the next four years and focus on MA for your career or Masters. Definitely look for a masters program that offers a lot of money. Or if you have time dig a little deeper for other smaller schools with early childhood in MA that are doing better. Check the size of their endowment. That is a huge indicator of the stability of a school and what they can offer. Don’t make it your sole decision - bc that’s how people decide they have to go to Harvard and not everyone does or can. The UMass system is great. Have you checked out Salem State? They were founded as a teacher’s college though might still have the issue of out of state tuition being unaffordable.