More than one-quarter of college applicants have ruled out schools due to the political climate in the states where the institutions are located, according to a new poll from the Art & Science Group. The findings highlighted how state policies on issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and crime are increasingly influencing students’ higher education choices.
The poll found that 28% of prospective students excluded certain schools based on the political, legal or policy environment in their respective states. Two-thirds of those students made these decisions early in the search process. The study revealed that while both liberal and conservative students are avoiding colleges in specific states, their reasons vary significantly.
For liberal students, the big issues are states with conservative policies on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, conservative students are avoiding schools in states they feel are too lenient on crime, social issues or identity politics.
According to the poll, Texas and Florida top the list as the most frequently excluded state for college applications from liberal students. While conservative students are looking to stay out of California and New York, each ruled out by 15% or more of prospects.
This trend comes as states grapple with contentious political issues, especially in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade and ongoing debates about transgender rights.
As the U.S. becomes increasingly polarized, political divisions are now influencing major life decisions, including where young adults choose to pursue higher education. Colleges and universities may face growing challenges in attracting students as state politics play a larger role in the decision-making process.
