@OP, et al - It might be a Jersey thing. NJ kids (and their parents) seem more willing to pay a premium to attend Pen State, UMD, UDel, et al, than residents of other states. That might just be a function of affluence. My younger son’s sole stipulation for colleges was that they be outside of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. He chose not to apply to any Mid-Western or Southwestern colleges, either. He applied to colleges in NC, FL, CA, LA, WA, and OR. Some colleges will consider travel expenses within the cost of attendance when determining a financial aid package.