can a college be too far away?

[Anonymous]

This is academic since my kids are in middle school, but I constantly hear friends talk about vetoing certain colleges because they're across the country. Is this a thing these days? It wasn't a criteria for me or DH. Just idle curiosity!

[Anonymous]

I don't think there's anything "these days" about it--just differences between families. Distance adds costs and hassles for sure.

[Anonymous]

well it's an expense to go to school somewhere far away and now that it costs a ton, the extra cost and hassle of flights etc. become an issue.

I went to school 8 hours away from my home, by Car, and it was fine, but my DD nixed the idea of going anywhere that is a flight because its just too much of a pain and expense to consider.

[Anonymous]

I think you have to weigh distance, quality, cost and reasons for picking it. I wouldn't send my kid to Oregon for community college for example, but might send them to Stanford if they got in.

[Anonymous]

It really comes down to the kid and your wallet. Is he/she independent enough to be on their own (without parents) for long periods? Can you afford the flights, or do you mind long drives?

[Anonymous]

I’m west coast and have one on the east coast with the second heading there in the fall. I’ll admit, I’m jealous of the people who can load a car and drive. We have more logistical issues. For me, I would not limit by distance. I’m not sure why (assuming you can afford the flights and have the patience for the logistical issues) it matters how far away the college is, but I respect that others may disagree.

[Anonymous]

depends on the kid/family

I went to a school 8 hours drive from home. That was the furthest away I actually considered. I liked being able to reach home within a day's drive.

My child is considering a few schools that are even farther, and I am not sure how to feel about that. The schools in MI are not in places with great airport access, either.

[Anonymous]

Different things work for different families. I went to college in the 90's - one of my friends went to college in Australia and another refused to go to any college more than an hour from home.

[Anonymous]

It's a criteria for children with certain special needs who aren't that independent and still need parental support. My oldest with medical needs is in that category and specifically chose colleges close to home, so we can help if need be. My other kids can't wait to go to college abroad!

[Anonymous]

Some kids go international. Some kids stay home. I think you realize this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:well it's an expense to go to school somewhere far away and now that it costs a ton, the extra cost and hassle of flights etc. become an issue.

I went to school 8 hours away from my home, by Car, and it was fine, but my DD nixed the idea of going anywhere that is a flight because its just too much of a pain and expense to consider.

+1 I grew up here and remember ruling out Maine and Vermont but was OK with upstate New York.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is academic since my kids are in middle school, but I constantly hear friends talk about vetoing certain colleges because they're across the country. Is this a thing these days? It wasn't a criteria for me or DH. Just idle curiosity!

Yes because of transportation costs.

[Anonymous]

When the reality of the pandemic hit, a lot of colleges wanted the dorms cleared out within days. For some, it was just a matter of driving a few hours to get their kid. For others, it was buying expensive, last-minute flights.

For some people, this isn't worrisome, but for others, being within a reasonable drive is appealing. You'll figure out what works best for your family, OP.

[Anonymous]

Reminds me the parents who constantly screech “why aren’t kids getting their licenses at 16” these days. And you respond “due to the costs” and it’s like they have fingers in each ear, in a toddler-like manner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reminds me the parents who constantly screech “why aren’t kids getting their licenses at 16” these days. And you respond “due to the costs” and it’s like they have fingers in each ear, in a toddler-like manner.

Weird, I don't recall screeching.