State Politics Now a Factor in College Decisions: Access to Abortion, Gun Laws, LGBTQ+ Rights Shape School Choices

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the landscape of college admissions has undergone a significant shift. A growing trend sees high school seniors factoring in state politics when making their school decisions. This article delves into the impact of state politics on college choices, exploring the perspectives of students, parents, and admissions counselors.

Abortion Access: A Deciding Factor

The Dobbs decision, which paved the way for states to impose abortion bans, has profoundly influenced the college selection process for many students. Grace, a high school senior from South Carolina, expresses concern about living in a state with limited access to abortion, fearing that abortion bans could lead to broader restrictions on women’s rights. Her mother, Andrea, initially opposed Grace’s consideration of state politics in her college search, but they’ve since found common ground for discussion.

A Nationwide Trend

Grace’s experience mirrors a broader trend identified by a Gallup survey conducted in 2022, which revealed that 73% of unenrolled young adults consider reproductive health laws a factor in their college enrollment decisions. Consequently, students are engaging in discussions about regional politics with their families and admissions counselors.

Navigating Political Considerations: Challenges and Tensions

Sara Harberson, a private college admissions counselor, observes that students are actively discussing politics in their classrooms, with their friends, and with their parents. She emphasizes the importance of these conversations, as they allow students to express their concerns and make informed decisions about their college choices. However, these discussions can also lead to tensions at home, as seen in the case of Grace and her mother.

Non-Negotiable Access to Reproductive Health Care: The Sony Family’s Experience

For the Sony family from Columbus, Ohio, access to nonrestrictive reproductive health care is a nonnegotiable factor in their college selection process. Syna Sony, a high school senior, eliminated schools in states with restrictive abortion laws from her list of potential colleges, including her dream school, the University of Texas at Austin. Her mother, Deepti Sony, experienced firsthand the impact of an abortion ban when she unexpectedly became pregnant at 46 and had to travel out of state for the procedure.

A Shift in State Policies: Ohio’s Abortion Access Amendment

The Sony family’s situation changed when Ohio voters added abortion access to their state constitution in November 2022, rolling back the ban that had affected Deepti Sony. This amendment provided a sense of relief for the family, as Syna can now consider schools within her home state.

A Wide Range of Political Concerns: Gun Laws and LGBTQ+ Rights

Abortion access is not the only political concern influencing college choices. Gun laws and LGBTQ+ rights are also top considerations for many students. A survey conducted by Art & Science Group found that a quarter of high school students across the political spectrum ruled out institutions solely due to state political policies.

Balancing Safety and Educational Opportunities: Aly Phillips’ Dilemma

Aly Phillips, a high school senior who identifies as nonbinary and part of the LGBTQ+ community, faced difficult choices in their college search due to concerns about state politics. They eliminated schools in conservative states where they felt their safety and well-being could be at risk. This meant sacrificing their interest in a niche program that few colleges offer.

Financial Considerations: A Complicating Factor

Despite the growing influence of political concerns, finances remain a top priority for many students and their families. Admissions counselor Sara Harberson points out that the cost of attendance is a major factor for college-bound students, especially in the context of rising tuition costs. This can lead to difficult decisions, as students may have to weigh financial considerations against their political preferences.

Grace’s Dilemma: Balancing Cost and Values

Grace’s situation exemplifies this dilemma. Despite receiving scholarship offers from several schools in conservative states, including a full ride to the University of Alabama, she remains hesitant due to the state’s political climate. Her family engages in ongoing discussions to weigh the financial benefits against Grace’s personal values and sense of safety.

Navigating the Interplay of Politics and Personal Choices

The tension between political considerations and personal preferences has become a defining feature of the college admissions process. Students, parents, and admissions counselors navigate complex conversations, seeking to balance financial realities with their values and safety concerns. As politics continue to permeate everyday life, these discussions are likely to become even more prevalent in the years to come.