[jeremymims]

I know this phenomenon may sound like a bug, but it's probably a feature. It means that many smart kids go to schools close to home and are able to enrich their own communities by staying nearby. It means that those rural towns get great lawyers, doctors, and access to smart and talented people in dozens of other professions. If I'm from a rural state, I absolutely want my top state schools to compete with Harvard for talent. I don't want talented kids whisked away, never to return.

In my home state of Connecticut (home to one of those Ivy League bastions and a short drive from the others), many of the top students at my high school went to UCONN, got great educations, got great jobs in Connecticut (since locals know how good the education can be), and continue to contribute to the fabric of the state. Because so many people have gotten quality education at an affordable price, they encourage other top students to attend UCONN, donate money locally after they graduate, and create jobs for future students.

At first blush it feels unfair (certainly on an individual level). But it may actually result in a far better outcome for society. It certainly makes my home state a better place to live.

[ruswick]

I don't think that systematic relegation of poor people to state colleges is ever preferable, even if it prevents brain drain. We should never artificially limit our nation's lower-class youth simply because it has collateral positive effects in the long term.

Individuals deserve the ability to attain the highest level of success they are capable of, irrespective of any of any effects on society. Students are't public utilities, they're individuals with idiosyncratic aspirations and interests. Why is it ok for society of hold them back?

[Evbn]

Why should anyone in Utah have an desire for someone in NY hands a Utah kid a golden ticket to enjoy in NY? Those Utah individuals deserve the best outcomes they can obtain, and that includes great doctors if they choose to pay for those doctor's education and salaries.

Society is a collection of individuals. Arbitrarily picking some of those individuals to be winners is certainly not any obligation of the rest of the individuals.

[nitrogen]

I'm from Utah, and I would have much preferred to be told that I could actually afford to attend an elite school through financial aid instead of being disappointed by my state school education (though I did have a few great classes and teachers). I took an online class from MITx and the difference was astounding.

The rest of the state has no right to lay claim to my life. If states are worried about brain drain, they should incentivize local development to attract others from out of state (which I believe Utah is doing), not hide the truth from their youth.