theReptileGuy -
I think in your position I would go to an in state school. If you are planning on continuing an education the location of your Masters and PhD will be more important to potential employers than your bachelors. That being said your grades/achievements during your undergrad will help you get into those other schools.
Since you are in the "narrowing down" phase of places to look at here is what I would do. Since you have an idea of what you want to do, I would look at that specific department and the faculty in it. Read their bios and see what they specialize in and if its of any interest to you. One of my biology teachers for undergrads specialty was scorpions. His dissertation was on them and he was considered one of the world authorities on them. Students with an interest arachnids/dromopoda came from all over the world to study with him.
This advice might be more helpful with your advanced degrees, but if there is a person that specializes in herps and that is what your area of interest is, it might be a good fit. When I talk to people about what college to go to, if they don't have have any idea what they want to do I tell them to go to the best school possible. I'd tell you to go to the best school you can get into (even a community college) that you can get into that has a reputable biology department.
I got a 24 on my ACT too and it's not the end of the world. I now have a doctorate and teach at a Division I university. You will probably be able to get accepted to a state school or smaller college based your class rank. You can get a great education anywhere, it's all what you are willing to put into it. Good luck on your search.
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