“WHERE” You go to college matters enormously….

In this case, I am not focused on reputation but rather location.

When we first meet students for college counseling, I understandably field the desire for warmer weather coming from Connecticut students.  I get it. All things being equal, I, too, would choose warm weather.  But as I sometimes say – half-kiddingly – I would choose my family over warm weather.

Having provided college counseling for the last twenty years to our Shoreline and Fairfield Connecticut clients, I sometimes run into the parents in Old Saybrook or neighboring towns.  More than a few have said variations of: “well, you called it, Johnny now lives in North Carolina.”

Choosing where to attend college is one of the most significant decisions a young person can make. While academic reputation and cost are often the top factors, the location of a college can have profound, lasting effects on a graduate’s life. Beyond academics, the city or town a student resides in for their college years often influences their personal, professional, and social development well into their twenties, and in many cases, for the rest of their lives.

To be clear, movement to a preferred location might be life enhancing.

But I just want my students and families to know that the decision is not merely a four year decision but likely one that will last for a long time.

1. Career Opportunities and Professional Networks

Yes, remote work has been a game changer.  But still, location matters.  If your child attends college in California, its reasonably likely that her internships, initial work opportunities, and professional network will be primarily in California.

The city or region in which a college is located often has a unique job market, with certain industries thriving while others may be underrepresented. Attending college in a city where key industries match a student’s career aspirations can offer distinct advantages:

• Proximity to internships and job markets: Students who attend college in major metropolitan areas are more likely to have access to internships and part-time jobs in their field of study. For example, students in finance, law, or media who attend college in cities like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles are often able to network and secure internships with leading companies during their college years.
• Connections to local industries: Colleges often have close ties with local employers, providing students with opportunities to connect with businesses and organizations in the area. These connections can lead to job offers immediately after graduation, especially in fields where local expertise is crucial.
• Alumni networks: Many colleges have strong alumni networks in the surrounding region. Graduates often find it easier to connect with alumni working in their desired industry if they remain in or near their college town or city. These networks can help young adults get their foot in the door and secure professional opportunities, especially in competitive fields.

Graduates who attend college in smaller towns or rural areas may face different challenges. While these colleges often offer strong academic programs, students may need to relocate after graduation to find job opportunities in their chosen fields. However, students from these schools may also benefit from close-knit alumni networks that are more active in supporting young graduates in their job search, even beyond the local area.

2. Social and Cultural Development

The location of a college greatly influences a student’s social experience, which plays a key role in shaping their identity as young adults. Different regions offer distinct cultural experiences, and the social environment a student is exposed to during college can have a lasting impact on their worldview, preferences, and lifestyle.

• Urban vs. rural settings: Attending college in a bustling urban environment exposes students to a wide range of social activities, cultural diversity, and professional events. Cities tend to have a vibrant nightlife, extensive entertainment options, and opportunities for cultural enrichment through museums, art galleries, and theaters. This exposure helps young adults develop a more cosmopolitan outlook and broad social networks.

  On the other hand, students who attend college in rural or suburban settings often form closer, tighter-knit communities. These environments may encourage a more relaxed, community-oriented lifestyle, which can shape preferences for smaller towns or work environments as young adults.

• Regional culture: The college’s location also exposes students to regional customs, values, and traditions. Attending college in the South, for instance, might lead to an appreciation for Southern hospitality and culture, while a college in New England might instill a love for history and tradition. These cultural influences can shape where graduates choose to live after college, how they build friendships, and even what kind of community they seek later in life.

For many, the friendships, habits, and social norms developed during college stay with them for years. Those who attended college in socially vibrant, fast-paced cities might carry a love for excitement and diversity into their twenties and beyond, while those who thrived in smaller, more intimate settings might seek out similar environments after graduation.