[SWTXBelle]

The best way to "help" is to provide answers based on knowledge, not supposition. I would hate to have someone who didn't know what he/she was talking about offer advice which turned out to be wrong, and thus hinder the local group as they explore their options.
There are two organizations the local has to answer to - their campus administration, and the national (be it NPC or not) group(s) which the local wishes to consider. As far as NPC costs, the advice to check out what your current NPC groups charge is good. You might also be able to ask individual groups via their headquarters what their initiation fee, badge cost, and that sort of thing is - I think that is considered pretty open, and the worst that can happen is they say "no" (although I think if you explain your situation most groups would be willing to provide information.)
Best of luck - it may be difficult, but ultimately I believe it will work out for the best. One big advantage to a national is the network all over the world. I've met wonderful sisters everywhere I've gone.