The Great Southern Migration: Changing College Admissions
What parents need to know about the evolving landscape of higher education in South Carolina
By Alicia Womick and Ashley Hairr
A Personal Journey Through Changing Times
With years of guiding countless students through the admissions process, we’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic transformation of higher education over the past decade. Mrs. Womick’s unique perspective—having navigated the admissions process six times with her own children—provides a rare window into just how significantly the landscape has shifted between her first graduate and her last. And Mrs. Hairr’s vast experience and networking with other admissions counselors provide her with a comprehensive picture of college admission for many different types of colleges.
The strategies and credentials that virtually guaranteed admission and scholarship money seven to ten years ago have evolved significantly. What we’re witnessing is an exciting reshaping of college admissions that creates new opportunities for students who understand the landscape.
The Southern Surge
Something interesting is happening in college admissions. Students from prestigious prep schools in Connecticut, high-achieving districts in New Jersey, and competitive schools throughout the Northeast are increasingly choosing Southern universities for their college education.
The statistics are striking. South Carolina colleges reached an all-time high of 38 percent out-of-state enrollment among their 102,600 students in 2024. The University of South Carolina exemplifies this transformation: out-of-state students grew from 19 percent in 1997 to 42 percent in 2016—more than doubling in less than two decades.
Last school year, South Carolina’s public four-year colleges enrolled 2,300 freshmen from New York and New Jersey, 1,375 from Virginia and Maryland, nearly 800 from Pennsylvania, and 600 from Massachusetts.
What’s Driving Students South?
Financial Reality: While Northern private colleges see tuition costs soar past $60,000 annually, Southern public universities offer quality education at a fraction of the cost, even for out-of-state students.
Campus Culture: Students are drawn to vibrant campus life, strong school spirit, and athletic traditions that define Southern universities—experiences many Northern institutions struggle to match.
Academic Excellence: Universities like Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Clemson, and USC have steadily improved their academic reputations, making them legitimate alternatives to traditional elite institutions.
The Opportunity for South Carolina Families
This trend brings both national recognition to our universities and creates new pathways for strategic students who understand what colleges truly seek.
Evolution in Competition: South Carolina students now compete in a national applicant pool at their state universities. USC’s average SAT score has risen from 1100 to 1250 over the past decade, reflecting the caliber of students these institutions now attract.
Oakbrook’s Strategic Advantage: Our students receive an outstanding education that prepares them exceptionally well for college success. More importantly, understanding how the admissions process has evolved gives Oakbrook families a distinct advantage in positioning their students competitively.
The Clemson Example: Your Roadmap to Success
Clemson University has shared invaluable insights with us that provide a clear roadmap for student success. As more students apply to Clemson’s Honors College, the university has become more transparent about what they value. Most importantly, Clemson gives equal weight to what a student does outside of school and to their grades and test scores.
This is excellent news for Oakbrook families! Universities are seeking well-rounded individuals who have used their time meaningfully—through consistent part-time work, regular volunteering, learning unique skills, or applying their passions innovatively. Students who understand this can strategically position themselves for both Honors College admission and external scholarships.
This insight represents a tremendous advantage: knowing exactly what universities value allows our students to build compelling profiles that stand out in any applicant pool.
Strategic Guidance for Oakbrook Families
Armed with insider knowledge of what universities truly seek, Oakbrook families can approach college planning strategically and confidently.
Plan with Purpose: Understanding that top universities now evaluate students nationally gives us a clear target. Oakbrook students can compete successfully when they know what’s expected.
Build Authentic Engagement: Universities want sustained extracurricular involvement showing commitment, leadership, and impact. This isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about discovering and developing genuine passions.
Maximize All Options: Explore excellent in-state alternatives like College of Charleston, Winthrop, or The Citadel. These institutions offer outstanding opportunities and may provide clearer pathways to honors programs and scholarships.
Discover Hidden Value in Private Institutions: Many private colleges offer substantial merit scholarships that can bring costs down to or below public university levels. Oakbrook students regularly receive $25,000-35,000 in annual scholarships at private institutions—often making them more affordable than expected.
Apply Strategically: Cast a wide net including both public and private institutions. Run net price calculators everywhere—the results often surprise families in the best possible way.
Capitalize on Opportunities: At Oakbrook, you can be involved in athletics, arts, and more. Our Senior Project is a unique opportunity to showcase your learning and differentiate yourself from students at other schools. And now with our new STAR partnership, our students can gain valuable experience through internships and on-the-job training!
The Exciting Reality and Oakbrook’s Advantage
This transformation brings tremendous benefits. The enhanced national recognition of South Carolina universities means all graduates benefit from stronger institutional reputations. A degree from our amazing SC colleges carries significantly more weight nationally than it did 20 years ago, opening doors that weren’t available to previous generations.
This evolution in college admissions plays directly to Oakbrook’s strengths. We don’t just prepare students academically—we develop the whole person. Understanding exactly what universities value allows us to help students strategically showcase their strengths and build compelling profiles.
At Oakbrook, we continue providing the excellent education that ensures college success while helping students understand how to compete effectively on the national stage. We emphasize both academic rigor and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom, giving our students exactly what universities are seeking.
The great Southern migration represents an exciting opportunity for students who understand the new landscape. Oakbrook families who embrace this knowledge will find their students exceptionally well-positioned for success in an increasingly competitive but opportunity-rich environment.
For more information and personalized guidance, contact the Oakbrook Preparatory School counseling department.
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