High school graduates in rural counties often move to urban areas to study at higher education institutions (HEIs). Because graduates from HEIs often settle in regions in which they graduate, the result is a permanent out-migration of young talent from rural areas. This study adds to the body of literature on student choice by addressing measures…

Brain drain--the movement of high school and college graduates out of state for employment--is a concern for state policymakers. This study focuses on brain drain of students who graduate from high school in Maryland. Using data from the Maryland Longitudinal Data System and applying propensity score matching to control for differences between the…

This report, sponsored by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University, presents in-depth multi-method research and analysis on what matters to Illinois students and their families when choosing a college, why so many students are leaving the state, where they are going, and…