New Delhi: A new migration is afoot in the United States—more and more students from the northeastern states are now choosing to study in southern universities.
For generations, the moss-covered walls of Ivy League schools in the northern states have been the ultimate goal for many students, but that does not seem to be the case anymore.
Southern universities, including Emory, Vanderbilt, Tulane, and the University of South Carolina (USC), have become the top choice for an increasing number of northeastern Americans.
Between 2014 and 2023, Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools, consisting of 16 colleges, saw a 91 per cent increase in undergraduate students from northeastern states, The Times reported.
Reasons for southward migration
College students are opting for the warmer climate of the southern states. Unlike the Ivies, campuses in the South can be enjoyed year–round.
With a wider, more active campus, northeastern high school students are also opting for the southern schools for extracurricular activities such as college football and sororities.
Out-of-state admissions at USC have increased by 58 per cent in the last decade, according to The Times.
Private universities in the South offer several scholarships and academic funding programmes, along with a cheaper cost of living. Public universities, such as USC, which primarily provide education to the state population, can charge out-of-state students almost double the tuition for the same experience. However, this is still cheaper than an Ivy League education.
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New dream destination
With an influx of international students in Ivy League universities, as well as growing academic pressure and competition for admissions, American high school students are starting to opt for less intense academic pursuits in the southern states. What was once a backup plan for many has now become a favoured destination.
Regional hubs such as New Orleans or Nashville also offer students the comfort of community. For many, the shift to the South is a way to prioritise mental well-being and a slower pace of life as compared to the high-paced world of cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
With the breakneck speed at which the world moves, students are now prioritising their ‘dream school’ as a perfect blend of academic rigour and a quintessential college experience. And that has made the picturesque schools of the American South the ideal choice.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)