In recent years, universities in the southern United States have been gaining popularity, reportedly surpassing elite institutions in the Northeast. Students have explained the factors driving this trend.
According to a report by Fox News, Jacob Roose, a student at Auburn University in Alabama, shared on the Fox & Friends First show on Monday, November 24th, that in the South, people prioritize family, God, and country, values that are not as commonly seen in the Northeast.
Roose and Angel Aguilar, a student at the University of Miami, appeared on the show together to discuss the influx of Northeastern students into Southern colleges, including schools in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
Roose mentioned that politics, culture, and a sense of belonging all play a role in this shift. He noted that many students are drawn to the values and slower pace of life on Southern campuses, while Aguilar emphasized that academic excellence is a major factor driving students southward.
Roose also referenced the perspective of a member of the conservative organization Turning Point USA. He shared, “I recently spoke with a young lady from our Turning Point chapter at Auburn, and she said there is a sense of humility, safety, and comfort here at Auburn University.”
Aguilar praised schools like the University of Florida, Florida State University, and Florida International University, describing them as “top-tier public institutions” that provide quality alternatives to Ivy League schools.
For example, he highlighted the University of Miami’s business school, which is ranked number one in Florida and 21st nationally, stating, “It’s remarkable.”
According to The Sunday Times in the UK, data from the US government shows that from 2014 to 2023, there was a 91% increase in undergraduate students from Northeastern states at schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Georgia, and Ole Miss.
During the same period, the University of South Carolina also saw a 90% increase. A report reveals that in 2025, the university had over 40,000 enrolled students, the highest level in history, thanks to a 58% increase in out-of-state students over the past decade, with many of them coming from New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.