Chicago
2 bedroom condo within 5 miles of University of Chicago or Northwestern (assuming these are where you would pursue your doctorate in an field you didn't mention), somewhere between $200-350k, depending.
If you decide on Chicago (or they decide on you) I can put you in touch with trusted realtors and also advise on locations, etc. Good town.
Oh, FWIW, I have 2 bedroom townhouse, within the distances you quoted, for >= twice what I quoted. So there is a broad range.
-Ash
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