Introduction to the Trend
More California students than ever are going out of state for college, with the share of college-bound California high school graduates enrolling in out-of-state colleges nearly doubling in the last two decades. Javier Perez, a senior at Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in Highland Park, dreams of studying computer science at Dartmouth College. “For me, it’s really important to be surrounded by the right people,” said Perez, who earlier this year spent two days on the New Hampshire campus during a spring college tour and said he felt a “genuine connection” with the people he met. Plus, he likes cold weather.
The Rising Trend of Out-of-State College Enrollment
A Public Policy Institute of California report released this month found that the share of college-bound California high school graduates enrolling in out-of-state colleges has nearly doubled in the last two decades, rising from 8.5% in 2002 to 14.6% in 2022. West Coast and Southwest colleges in particular seek out students in population-rich California in their recruitment efforts. Making the move more enticing is that many public universities participate in a program offering Californians discounted tuition at public colleges in the West.
Popular Destinations for California Students
In 2022, nearly 40,000 California high school grads enrolled in out-of-state colleges, roughly a third of whom flocked to Arizona, Oregon or New York, the researchers found in their analysis of enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics. In 2002, the number was closer to 15,000. In Arizona, the most popular universities included Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University — known for its online programs — and the University of Arizona. Oregon State University drew the highest number of Californians in that state. Javier Perez, 18, takes public transit to a library. His three-hour round-trip commute to and from school involves a bike ride, two trains and a bus. (Kayla Bartkowski / Los Angeles Times)
Reasons Behind the Trend
Perez said leaving California would enable him to experience life in a small college town surrounded by nature. He’d like to spend his days focusing on his studies instead of commuting to school. His current commute from his Koreatown home to his Highland Park campus takes three hours round-trip, and involves a bike ride, two trains and a bus. Lynda McGee, a recently retired Los Angeles Unified School District college counselor who spent more than two decades at Downtown Magnets High School, said she sees the trend as a positive development. She said she often urged students to look beyond California, as she felt out-of-state campuses would expose them to a more diverse range of people and experiences.
Financial Considerations
Under the right conditions, and after taking into account financial aid or merit-based scholarships, private colleges can sometimes end up costing less than a California public university, said Erica Rosales, executive director of College Match, a mentoring program for low-income students in Los Angeles. “For a low-income, first-generation student, a private institution that meets full need without loans is often the most affordable and most supportive option available,” Rosales said in an email. Rosales, who has spent nearly two decades helping students navigate the college admissions process, noted that Cal Grant income ceilings leave out some middle-class families unable to afford to send their children to a UC or CSU campus.
Conclusion
The trend of California students going out of state for college is on the rise, with many students seeking new experiences, diverse environments, and affordable education options. As the cost of living and tuition fees continue to rise in California, it is likely that more students will look to out-of-state colleges for their higher education needs. With the right guidance and support, students can make informed decisions about their college choices and find the best fit for their academic and personal goals.
FAQs
Q: Why are more California students going out of state for college?
A: The reasons behind this trend include seeking new experiences, diverse environments, and affordable education options.
Q: What are the most popular destinations for California students?
A: The most popular destinations include Arizona, Oregon, and New York, with universities such as Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Oregon State University being popular choices.
Q: How can California students afford out-of-state tuition?
A: Many public universities participate in a program offering Californians discounted tuition at public colleges in the West, and private colleges can sometimes end up costing less than a California public university after taking into account financial aid or merit-based scholarships.
Q: What are the benefits of attending an out-of-state college?
A: The benefits include exposure to a more diverse range of people and experiences, access to unique academic programs and resources, and the opportunity to develop independence and self-reliance.
Q: How can students navigate the college admissions process and find the best fit for their needs?
A: Students can seek guidance from college counselors, mentors, and online resources to research and compare different colleges and programs, and find the best fit for their academic and personal goals.
