Face Off: Stay in state for college

There is a surplus of stupendous schools right here in the Hoosier state. From the outstanding journalism and business schools at Indiana University to one of the top engineering schools in the nation just an hour away from Indianapolis up Interstate 65, there are two top-notch state schools, both within 60 miles of the state capitol. 

For those who wish to remain Irish for another four years, Notre Dame remains one of the country’s most selective and esteemed Catholic institutions. Another excellent engineering school is Rose-Hulman, along I-70 in Terre Haute. Of course, there are also schools like DePauw and Wabash, which provide many Cathedral athletes with opportunities to further their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. 

Giving a distinct character to Indianapolis is Butler University, offering Division I athletic opportunities and a challenging curriculum in the back yard of many Indianapolis residents. The University of Indianapolis also offers an accessible nursing program within close proximity to Downtown Indy. 

Many other smaller schools are scattered around our home state, including Ball State, Hanover, IUPUI, Indiana Wesleyan and Marian University. The academic opportunities at all of the aforementioned schools rival those of any other region in the country, and there’s another benefit that I haven’t even touched upon: money. 

What do Formula 1 and college decisions have in common? Cash is king. Most universities offer discounted tuition to in-state students; that alone is a great selling point. People will always tell you that they enjoy saving money. If they say anything to the contrary, they’re lying. As another plus, being close to home is paramount in the case of an emergency. 

Considering the excellent educational opportunities, athletics, financial benefits and close proximity to A-list concerts and sporting events, it’s hard to find any reason to attend a university outside Indiana.