As a New Jersey resident who will be going to school in North Carolina, most of my friends wanted to get the heck out. However, my graduating class actually seems to have more kids staying in NJ than most years…some kids who I would have bet good money on leaving the state. For some, it was to remain in close proximity to their favorite pro sports teams (as a fan of the Knicks and Red Bulls, that was not at all a factor). I personally only applied to one NJ school (Rider University), and that was my safety. I can honestly say that the only way I would have attended that school would have been if I literally got into none of the other schools I had applied to. I got admission into six universities in six different states in the end, and Rider was at the bottom of my list. I was eager to leave NJ behind.
Some people just can’t afford it, however. I’m incredibly grateful that I’m able to continue my education nine hours from home, in a school that I’m very excited and proud to be able to attend.
It’s better than Rutgers, btw. 