In recent years, colleges in the Southern United States have seen a remarkable rise in applications. This surge comes as students seek alternatives to elite schools that many view as overly influenced by radical politics and political correctness. According to a report from Fortune, applications to Southern colleges have jumped by 50 percent since 2019, while Northern institutions have experienced less than 30 percent growth in the same timeframe.
Families appear to prioritize civility, culture, and affordability when selecting educational institutions. A notable trend is the increase in interest from students in states like California and those in the Northeast who are choosing to enroll in Southern public universities, with enrollment from Northerners rising by 84 percent over the last two decades, including a 30 percent increase from 2018 to 2022.
The appeal of schools such as Duke, Vanderbilt, and Tulane is evident among students who feel boxed in at more prestigious Ivy League institutions. Trevor Traina, a tech entrepreneur from San Francisco, shared that his son Robby deliberately decided against Ivy League schools despite achieving a high GPA and excelling in athletics. Traina said, “Many students now see elite schools as unfun, judgey, and biased against white boys.” For Traina and his peers, Southern schools offer a different atmosphere that feels more inviting.
Ainsley Matteson, a senior at the University of Tennessee, emphasized the camaraderie she feels in Knoxville. “If you’re wearing orange on game day, there’s this sense of belonging,” she remarked, highlighting the community spirit that Southern schools foster. Such sentiments resonate with many students who value the social aspect of college life just as much as their academic pursuits.
High school student Cameron McManus from suburban Washington, D.C., is currently exploring options for his college future. UNC Chapel Hill, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina are all on his radar. Additionally, Vanderbilt University has gained a reputation as a magnet for applicants from both California and the Northeast, according to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier.
Affordability has also become a crucial factor in these decisions. Danielle Davis opted for the University of Florida over the University of Virginia, her in-state choice. Reports from students and parents indicate a growing belief that elite schools have developed an environment where they feel pressured to suppress their identities, limiting their ability to engage socially while focusing solely on academic success. One student succinctly expressed this sentiment: “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.”
Traina’s experience illustrates this shift. By choosing Wake Forest over Princeton, he described his son’s decision to “avoid a culture of radical politics and stifling political correctness.” This move reflects a broader trend among students who value not just academic excellence, but also a nurturing and inclusive environment for their college experience.
As more families navigate the college landscape, it’s becoming clear that Southern institutions are appealing to those who seek a balance between education, community, and personal expression—striking a chord with students across the nation.
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