Applications to Southern Colleges Surge as Students Look to Escape ‘Radical Politics’ and ‘Judgey’ Campuses
Recent reports reveal a significant rise in college applications to Southern universities, driven by students and parents seeking alternatives to elite Northeastern schools perceived as dominated by radical politics and strict political correctness. Since 2019, applications to Southern schools have increased by 50%, surpassing the growth rates in New england and the Mid-Atlantic. Additionally, the number of students from northern states enrolling in Southern public universities has surged notably over the past two decades.
Families are attracted to Southern schools for their perceived civility,cultural atmosphere,affordability,and a balance between academics and social life. Many students are deliberately avoiding Ivy League and traditionally elite institutions, viewing them as unwelcoming or biased environments. Instead, universities like Wake Forest, Duke, Vanderbilt, and the University of Tennessee are gaining popularity for their sense of community and inclusive spirit.
Affordability and the desire to enjoy the college experience beyond academics are critically important factors influencing these choices. Southern schools are seen as places where students can be themselves, engage socially, and avoid what some describe as the stifling culture of radical politics prevalent in elite colleges.
Applications to colleges in the South have surged in recent years, fueled by students seeking alternatives to elite schools dominated by radical politics and political correctness, according to a report from Fortune.
The outlet spoke to parents and students and compiled data showing that applications to Southern schools have jumped 50 percent since 2019, compared to less than 30 percent for schools in New England and the Mid-Atlantic, which are traditionally viewed as elite.
A Wall Street Journal report also found that the number of northerners enrolling in Southern public schools has risen 84 percent over the past two decades, including a 30 percent increase from 2018 to 2022.
Students and parents are gravitating toward schools with civility, culture, and affordability in mind.
Trevor Traina, a San Francisco tech entrepreneur, told Fortune his son Robby avoided Ivy League schools altogether.
Despite having a 4.0 GPA and being a student athlete, he chose Wake Forest University in North Carolina over Princeton.
Traina said many students now see elite schools as “unfun, judgey and biased against white boys.”
He added that many of his son’s peers opted for Duke, Vanderbilt, and Tulane instead of Ivy League schools.
Other students and their families d similar stories.
Ainsley Matteson, a University of Tennessee senior, described the sense of unity she found in Knoxville.
“If you’re wearing orange on game day, there’s this sense of belonging,” she told the outlet.
A high schooler named Cameron McManus, who lives in suburban Washington, D.C., is currently looking at where to head next year.
He said he is drawn to UNC Chapel Hill, Clemson, or the University of South Carolina.
Vanderbilt University has also become a major draw.
The school’s Chancellor Daniel Diermeier told Fortune that applications are surging from California and the Northeast.
Affordability is also a factor for many families when choosing a school.
Danielle Davis said she chose the University of Florida over the University of Virginia, which is in her home state.
More than one person told Fortune that traditionally elitist schools are being viewed by young Americans as places where they cannot be themselves, complete their studies, and balance a social life.
As one student put it, “I don’t want to go to college and focus only on studying. I want to have fun. That’s what Southern schools are all about.”
As for Traina, Fortune reported his son decided to “avoid a culture of radical politics and stifling political correctness” when he chose Wake Forest over his alma mater, Princeton.
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