Faculty point to political climate as reason for students moving from northeast to SEC schools

University faculty members are pointing to political and social climates as a key reason students are increasingly enrolling in Southeastern Conference (SEC) schools, according to a report released Wednesday by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Joffery Gaymon, Auburn Universitys vice president for enrollment management, told the Chronicle that SEC institutions often present themselves as apolitical. He added that they offer a calmer alternative to what he described as a noisy world, which adds to their appeal. During recent campus protests over the war in Gaza, Gaymon noted that Auburn faced fewer disruptions compared to schools in other regions.

When the world seems chaotic, issues on campus arise differently for us, and these differences matter to prospective students and their families, he said.

Students Explain the Southern Draw

Declining enrollments at Northeastern universities have been widely reported, with many students now choosing SEC schools like the University of South Carolina and the University of Tennessee over traditional Ivy League options. Budgetary pressures, staff layoffs, and student protests at some Northeastern institutions have contributed to this trend.

Dominique J. Baker, an associate professor at the University of Delaware, told the Chronicle that SEC flagship schools appeal to students in part because of the countrys political shift. Baker highlighted recent policies at Texas A&M University limiting faculty discussions on gender and race as an example of broader trends influencing student decisions.

Some students and families may not focus on these political factors, but perceptions about Southern public universities align with these trends, the report noted.

Post-Pandemic Preferences and Campus Life

Robert Kelchen, a professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, explained that after COVID-19, many students sought a traditional college experience, including robust social opportunities alongside academic programs. While Kelchen expressed skepticism that politics alone drives enrollment choices, he cited research showing students may pay over $2,000 extra to attend schools where their political views are more aligned with the majority.

The Chronicle also emphasized the Souths economic growth, milder climate, Greek life, and sports culture as additional attractions. Kelchen remarked, Northeastern and Midwestern schools face cutbacks, while SEC campuses are expanding with new buildings and resources.

Growth and Migration to the South

Jeffrey Docking, president of Adrian College, observed that the growth of SEC schools is linked not only to sports and entertainment but also to broader demographic trends, including corporate relocation and housing expansion in the South.

Watching an Alabama football game on a Saturday night makes it easy to see why students are drawn there, Docking said. There isnt a single reason for this migration, but the trend toward the South is clear, both for higher education and beyond.

Author: Lucas Grant