LilLissa. I'm a jersey girl too. Originally from Point Pleasant
I now live in Lacey. Your best bet is to search Petfinder.com and your local newspaper (Asbury Park Press). You'll find more around February, as this is when those that got pups for Christmas decide they are too much to handle and then either dump them off at the pound, rescue or in the paper.
In so far as $700 for a rescue - I have not seen that. I'm very involved with rescue. On average the donation for a rescue is about $400 BUT don't forget that includes the vetting / shots and the spay or nueter done. It's a real bargain. My Lilly who is now just about six or seven months came from rescue. Grant you she was a rare find. We got her at 13 weeks old but they are out there. For you, since you are a student and have some medical issues as well you may want to consider a young adult already trained. Maybe a two - four year old that needs a home. Yorkies are tough to train and with someone on a student schedule / homework/ classes etc. It really is easier with a little older.
Best of luck to you.
Elaine