CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week, millions of students will choose where they want to go to college. While Ivy Leagues have historically been the goal for many, it looks like that trend is starting to shift.
Lots of students are giving up on traditionally elite colleges and heading south.
An unprecedented number of top students are moving away from Ivy League universities. Instead, they’re looking to Southern schools that wouldn’t have been on their radar 20 years ago.
Some Ivy League schools are seeing big dips in their application numbers this year.
Harvard’s early application submission was down 17%.
While not all Northeastern schools saw the same decline, none could compete with the 42% increase in applications Southern college saw this year.
Families say there are several reasons for the shift.
Essentially, it can be boiled down to warmer weather, great sports, a more relaxed atmosphere and, in many cases, newer and nicer facilities.
They also argue employers aren’t looking as much for elite degrees anymore, opening up the door for students to go where they want.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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