postmanreader

So I'm trying to receive advice from all possible sources, consider my options, and then take the best long-term path. I didn't do well in undergrad (extreme depression, lack of ambition, no clear goals; all excuses, sure). My overall GPA was 2.51; last 60 credits was 2.82; and my major GPA (English literature) was 3.2. It wasn't until a year after graduating that I even began to think about graduate school (from the help and push of a friend who wanted me to do better for myself), and I realized that I have a great deal of interest in media studies/communications (specifically media ecology and the internet and society). I did all right on the GRE (verbal: 650; math: 670; writing: 4.5), but nothing great, which would be all right if my GPA was 3.5, for instance. I'm going to apply this year, but I'm almost certain that I have no chance of getting accepted into a decent masters program. Ohio State University and Purdue are my two top choices (in terms of schools that wouldn't straight up laugh at my application, like NYU), but OSU's graduate school won't admit anyone with a GPA lower than 3.0. Other schools of interest are Oregon, Indiana, University of Washington, and University of Minnesota. At the same time, I've started thinking about selecting "safe" programs, schools like University of Denver, Southern Methodist University, San Francisco State University, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (which probably isn't a "safe" school for me, if any of them are). So I'm wondering if people can offer any advice for a person in my situation. I've taken the last couple of years to really work on my mental health and get my life in much better order. And despite all the rigor and stress of a masters program (and eventually a PhD program), I very much want to pursue this educational endeavor. It's been suggested that I apply to a desired school (like Purdue) as a non-degree seeking post-baccalaureate student, but that is difficult because I'd need a full-time job to support myself and to take out additional loans; but that could be the only way. I've considered these safe schools either in order to get a masters from them, or to do a year there (and do extremely well) and apply for a transfer to a desired school (even if it puts me behind on receiving a masters). Any and all (even harsh) input is appreciated. I'm just looking for guidance. Thank you.