Political considerations are playing an unprecedented role in college selection, with nearly one-third of prospective students removing schools from consideration for political reasons, according to a new study released Tuesday by education research firm EAB.
The report, "Recruiting the Anxious Generation," surveyed nearly 40,000 American teenagers across three national studies and found that 29% of students had eliminated at least one college from their consideration set due to political factors. Sixteen percent specifically removed schools because of the political environment in the state where the college was located.
"Gen Z students aren't just evaluating academic offerings and campus amenities," said Pam Royall, EAB's Head of Research for Enrollment Services. "Whether they lean left or right politically, feeling welcomed and supported is central to the college experience they want."
The survey data revealed that more students dropped schools for being "too conservative" than "too liberal," with higher-income students more likely than their peers to remove colleges across all political categories.
The findings come as student definitions of campus safety have evolved beyond traditional physical security concerns. Sixty percent of students now define a "safe" campus as one that includes "freedom to express my thoughts and values without harassment"—an increase of more than 8 percentage points from 2024 data, likely reflecting campus protests related to Palestine in 2023 and 2024.
Mental health support has also become central to students' safety perceptions, with 67% of first-year college students saying mental health and wellness support is critical to feeling safe on campus.
The research reveals a generation shaped by what social psychologist Jonathan Haidt termed "The Anxious Generation" in his 2024 book—students who have undergone a fundamental shift in development due to constant digital connectivity and limited real-world interaction.
