Times probably have not changed for the majority of college students, who attend a local commuter-based community college, non-flagship state university, or lesser-known private school.
It is only a small segment of college students who will have the residential experience at a state flagship or more selective private school, and who have the luxury of considering fit aspects beyond cost and academic offerings and the luxury of being able to visit non-local schools before applying or attending. But this is the segment that is most heavily represented on these forums.