If you are much north of Terre Haute up to almost Layfayette, along the west edge of the state, something that uses ATT towers seems to be your best play. There are a few sizeable "little white dots" on verizon's big red map. I tried Mint a couple times, tried to like it. loved the price, but...
About the most fun you can have under $300 (adding information some ammo and range fees )
Love the sights.
It eats the Winchester 333/525 box stuff really well.
Worked with the guy for about 2 years. He had his car broken into a couple times while parked in front of his house. He mentioned a few of the local bars would have a rough night here and there involving the police.
I can't speak to the college, but had a former co worker that lived just off campus. Due to some of the demographics changes in that area of town you would find some scary stuff happening after dark...
This one kind of qualifies. By the time you add the free shipping and the included mag, It was quite a bit less than I could build it... https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-dagger-compact-9mm-pistol-with-sw4-rmr-slide-non-threaded-barrel-two-tone-gray.html
I kind of did a combo... started with a dedicated 22 upper, then enjoyed it so much, I picked up another lower, and viola! a similar rifle on same platform. Added bonus is that I put in extended takedown pins to make a takedown 22 for cheaper than a 10/22 takedown. :) The chiappa 22 upper is at...