@theatlantic - The financial rewards cold be substantial if you are far away. Also, I will tell you that I went to college just 2 hours away and then half way through they moved just 20 minutes away, and I only saw my parents during that time at break time. When you’re in college, it’s time to focus on your work there. Also, today it is becoming increasingly important and popular for students to get internships and other types of summer work that might keep them from being at home. So, you aren’t likely to see them much unless you literally are staying at home while you go to college. You can call and text and skype to stay in touch, and that will be the case if you are 2 hours away or 20 minutes or 15 hours.