The first goal of this study was to better understand the differences between rural and urban students' selection of academic program upon entering a public university in Pennsylvania. The second goal of this study was to better understand if particular academic programs impacted rural to urban migrations after graduating from the university. The study utilized two data sources with the first source the selection of academic program (two-digit CIP Code) for two years of entering first-time, full-time freshmen and a second source of alumni data on graduates six to eight years after graduation. The independent variables were originating from a rural or urban locale, Pell grant eligibility, and two-digit CIP Codes of academic programs. The results found that in some cases there were statistically significant correlations between the selection of academic program between rural and urban students. Further, while Pell eligibility also impacted the selection of academic program, it did not have any correlation to the independent variable of rural or urban originating students. Finally, the level of brain drain (rural to urban migration) was identified for the university graduates six to eight years after graduation and how each academic program had varying levels of rural and urban migrations. It was hoped that those interested in pursuing higher education and those working in higher education may use this information for future planning and serving all students and communities from where they originated. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]