In recent years, many universities have witnessed a notable surge in out-of-state interest with unprecedented numbers of non-local applicants seeking admission. 

This trend is reflected in the experiences of prominent institutions like San Diego State University (SDSU) and Arizona State University (ASU) where a growing number of applicants from across the country and around the world are contesting for a spot in their student body.

In the case of SDSU, the surge is exemplified by the data from October to December of 2021, during which the university received a record-breaking 77,000 first-time student applications – the highest in its history. Supported by additional funding from the California State University system, “SDSU has been able to admit and enroll the largest class of first-time students, totaling nearly 6,500 individuals.” According to the official San Diego State University website, these students hail from diverse geographical backgrounds, representing “45 different states and 46 countries.”

Fast forward to 2024, and the trend of heightened interest in such diverse universities from out-of-state applicants persists. The influx is not limited to just SDSU but extends to other institutions, such as ASU, which boasts an inclusive, diverse community with students from a staggering 157 countries worldwide and all fifty states.

The international student count at ASU stands at an impressive 12,843. In terms of undergraduate diversity, the statistics for 2024 reveal a varied makeup: 48.4% White, 24.7% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 5.6% African American, and 4% U.S. Non-resident. 

Such a surge in out-of-state interest is a direct result of factors ranging from increased accessibility to information, economic considerations, and a growing appreciation for diverse educational experiences, which collectively reshape the landscape of university admissions.

These numbers underscore a broader trend of such universities attracting a more global and diverse student body, indicative of a shift in the preferences and choices of aspiring college students. 

As the population grows, especially in more developing states like North Carolina, the amount of college-seeking students searching for universities across-country will only increase. The trend of seeking education beyond students’ states is evident in statistics that show the influx in nationwide applications. Universities like SDSU and ASU will only get more diverse with such a growing population and interest from international students.