strategy

College applicants avoid entire states because of their politics

 College applicants avoid entire states because of their politics

“For a student to say, ‘I’m willing to rule out a state, a school in a state,’ before they even decide where to apply, that’s a strong indication of how important these issues are to young people,” said Nanci Tessier, principal at Art & Science Group. 

1 In 4 Students Rule Out Colleges Based On State Politics Or Policies

1 In 4 Students Rule Out Colleges Based On State Politics Or Policies

That’s one of the main findings from a new survey released by the Art & Science Group, a higher-education consulting firm. The percentage of students saying they ruled out a college based on the political leanings of a state increased slightly from a similar survey conducted by the group last year, which found 24% of students indicating their college choice would be affected by such factors.

28% of college-bound students rule out schools based on state politics: new survey

28% of college-bound students rule out schools based on state politics: new survey

Art & Science Group, which conducted the surveys, found that 28% dismiss schools based on state politics. And two-thirds of those students do so right out of the gate. “That's somewhat alarming, because obviously the colleges and universities don't have a choice,” said Craig Goebel, a principal at Art & Science Group.

1 in 4 Students Nixes a College Based on State Politics, Survey Shows

1 in 4 Students Nixes a College Based on State Politics, Survey Shows

As the presidential election approaches in a politically polarized nation, students are more intensely considering a state’s political leanings or local policies when they decide which college to attend, according to the results of a new studentPOLL by the Art & Science Group.