Kids Pick Colleges Based on Politics Now

More students are saying no to colleges just because of politics. A study by Art & Science Group shows that about one in three future college students now cross a school off their list for political reasons. Two years ago only about one in four did the same. The latest winter and summer surveys put the number at 31% and 34%. The jump from 24% to over a third shows a clear shift in how young people view school selection.

Students are making these choices early, even before they start filling out applications. Roughly half of them say politics plays some role in their decision, though it may not be the final factor. Many are wiping out whole states or regions from their options because of the political climate there. This early filtering means politics can shape the whole college search process before any essays are written.

Learners who lean left tend to avoid schools in the South, especially places like Texas and Florida. Those who lean right often skip colleges in California, Colorado and New York. Roughly one in four of these students even reject the idea of attending a school in their own home state, even when a public college there would be the cheapest choice. Some students say they simply do not feel welcome in places where the dominant political views clash with their own.

For colleges, this trend is a warning sign. Most schools do not have the strong pull of a place like Duke to override political worries. They need to find new ways to show their value and attract students who might otherwise walk away because of politics. The research team plans a follow‑up report to dig deeper into the varied reasons behind these choices, noting that students’ concerns are not just about liberal versus conservative labels but involve a mix of policy, law and personal belonging. Understanding these motives could help institutions craft messages that resonate beyond partisan lines.