Sweet Home, Indiana: Wellyn Draper Finds Ways to Bloom in Bloomington

Wellyn Draper, Vice President of the Black Cultural Union, found the end of her college journey where most Herron students begin theirs: Indiana. “The biggest pro of going in state definitely has to be in-state tuition that, along with scholarships, has helped me not have to worry that much about college costs,” Wellyn says.

College cost is a big factor. The Education Data Initiative has reported that college tuition has increased by 194.4% since 1963, and most seniors know the jaw-dropping feeling of realizing just how much a four-year degree will cost them, even with generous financial aid packages. For many, outside scholarships have become necessary. As a 21st-century scholar, Wellyn knew staying in-state was a must for affordability. Based in Herron’s home turf, Indianapolis, the 21st Century Scholars Program covers 100% of tuition costs for any Indiana resident who meets the eligibility requirements. “For undergrad, I knew that I wanted to stay in Indiana because I had a 21st century scholarship so it would be the cheapest option,” Wellyn explains.

Location plays an important role in cost, especially when it comes to the benefit of in-state tuition. Staying nearby could also mean cutting expenses related to transportation and room and board.

Wellyn points out too, “I didn’t want to be too far from my family because if something were to happen, I could quickly get back home if need be.” College is a rollercoaster, and it is often the first time students are living on their own. All sorts of mishaps and potentially precarious situations are bound to happen. Having family and friends close by can provide a safety net for worried students.

College choice, though, isn’t only about practicality. Wellyn, originally bound for Purdue, switched tracks to IU Bloomington after influence from her sister, a recent graduate. Following in her footsteps, Wellyn listed her sister as a main reason for her ultimate decision along with IU’s picturesque and sprawling campus. Her other family members also supported her choice. “My family loves Bloomington,” Wellyn admits. “[But] I knew they would be happy wherever I ended up going.”

And they won’t be the only ones happy about IU. Eager about the future ahead, Wellyn says she “can’t wait to get to Bloomington” and is “most excited to meet new people and find out more about [herself]” in college.

Although Wellyn believes “there isn’t a con of going in-state,” she acknowledges that everyone should “follow their heart,” even if that leads them across state lines. “No one else should tell you where you have to go,” Wellyn emphasizes. “Go somewhere where you know you can enjoy yourself and get the best out of your college education and experience.”

Regardless, seniors still on the fence might consider the cost savings guaranteed by in-state tuition and travel. For some, growth means going far. For Wellyn, it means blooming right where her roots are in Sweet Home, Indiana.

Like a Prayer: Reese Speicher Finds Faith and Familiarity at Notre Dame

Most long-time Hoosier students struggle to not view Indiana with jaded eyes. The same sight of a damp Salesforce Tower rising against gray buildings—shrouded in mist from yet another cold, rainy, unpredictable Indiana day—can become tiresome. It’s reasonable that some seniors flock to faraway places (with hopefully milder climates), but Reese Speicher, an avid member of Herron Track and Field, has found faith in the familiarity of Indiana. “From the start, I knew I wanted to stay in the Midwest to be close to my family and friends,” she says.

In college, students may find themselves feeling stranded and alone, forced to make new friends in a foreign environment. In those moments, having a familiar face or a favorite local spot nearby may mean more than they realize. “The greatest advantage of staying in-state is that I will be close to my family,” Reese explains. “I like that Notre Dame is close enough for me to visit them easily.”

Although Notre Dame is a private institution and does not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition, cost savings are still evident. Only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown Indianapolis, its location allows Reese to travel home for breaks—or any number of weekends she chooses to crash at home—while still giving her enough distance to feel independent. Students who go to extremes to feel far from their old stomping grounds face the cost of plane tickets and the yearly struggle of cramming dorm essentials into a carry-on. Private institutions like Notre Dame get a bad rap for being more expensive, but they offer huge financial packages that rival their public school counterparts. Reese listed her biggest reason for choosing Notre Dame was its unbeatable value “in terms of academic reputation and financial aid offered.”

Reese also notes that the initial fiscal support given doesn’t have to be the end-all, be-all: “If you are worried about the cost, reach out to schools and ask them to consider your situation again…You never know what might happen!”

For Notre Dame, there’s no question if money is worth it. With an acceptance rate of only 9%, Notre Dame is a premier university known nationally, particularly for their deep roots in Catholicism. Name recognition can be an important factor to consider. A degree from an institution with an accredited background and reputation can open up endless opportunities in the job market. The mere mention of Notre Dame evokes an ethos that associates its students and alumni with high academic ability and merited personality built from years of prestigious education. Reese admits she is excited to “be part of a school with so much tradition.”

Notre Dame isn’t the only golden name in Indiana, though. The state is home to several top-tier universities. Students don’t need to look far for name-brand schools—IU, Purdue, and Butler are all respected across the country and around the world for their academics, research, and facilities.

Notre Dame, stemming from their religious roots, is also known for their strong commitment to service with over 80% of students participating in volunteer efforts. “I chose to attend University of Notre Dame because I want to be part of their efforts to be a force for good in the world,” Reese affirms. “I look forward to getting a great education and using what I learn to serve others.”

Reese admits it would be nice to find herself in a sunny Californian city, and that “the biggest con of going in-state is that I don’t get to experience another part of the country.” Still, she says, it’s hard to beat the “advantage [of being] close to family.” For her, Notre Dame—and its Indiana location—feels perfect, like a prayer come true.

Empire State of Mind: Sophie Gonyea’s Journey to the Big Apple

“I didn’t really think about going far away,” Sophie Gonyea, President of the National Honor Society, remarks. ” I just knew I didn’t want to stay in Indiana because if I went to school here, the chances of me moving away after school would be slim.”

The fear of getting stuck in Indiana is not unfounded. After all, 61% of college graduates choose to find work near their alma mater. For students eager to explore, college could be the perfect chance to pursue exciting places. With over three thousand universities in the US, and even more globally, the locations available are endless. “My favorite city in the world is New York City,” Sophie explains when talking about her reasoning behind going to NYU. “[I wanted to be] a part of a school that offers unlimited opportunities”

In a global city like New York, Sophie will have an incredible network at her fingertips, especially at a top-tier university like NYU, where students must overcome a 7.7% acceptance rate. “I believe that the connections I can make within such a diverse city will result in a future successful career,” Sophie impassions.

New York City is more than a tourist destination; it’s a political powerhouse. From the United Nations headquarters to its history of grassroots activism and influential think tanks, NYC is a dynamic training ground for a political science major like Sophie. “I think the biggest pro [of going out-of-state], especially in a city like NYC, will be the easy ability to make connections within my career industry and honing my intended craft.”

For students eager to enter specific fields, choosing a college in the heart of their industry can provide direct access to internships and real-world experiences. LA beckons future filmmakers. Florida offers resources for marine biologists. Indiana with its fairly quiet cornfields and small cities can lack the opportunities college students need to make their dreams come true. Students should assess how well a university’s location supports their goals.

Still, out-of-state options remain expensive. Sophie is grateful NYU gave her “a satisfactory amount of financial aid [to help] make [her] dream school a reality.” For students daunted by the price tag, it’s important to know there are ways to make it feasible—through jobs, scholarships, and cost-saving strategies like living off campus.

There are also transportation costs to consider. While flying home every few months might not be realistic, long-distance travel isn’t impossible. Traveling by car, bus, or train can ease the burden. If the sound of paying for gas alone or riding on packed public transit doesn’t sound ideal, then carpooling can be a good compromise between the two.

If students can get over the initial hurdle of out-of-state cost, they will have access to the multitude of benefits from being away from their hometown, including cultural exposure, access to diverse perspectives, and greater independence and confidence. Career-wise, the long-term payoff of strategic networking and experience can outweigh the upfront costs. Sophie is aware of all this—but she’s also excited about something simpler: “the fantastic food.”

Unfortunately, there’s one last obstacle students must overcome: homesickness. That hollow, aching feeling when the rush of newness fades and everything familiar feels impossibly far away, with no quick way back. Or that weight of knowing that the people who matter most are hundreds of miles away, and no train, flight, or phone call can bring them close enough. “The biggest challenge for me will be being away from my mom. She is my biggest supporter and I am not quite sure who I will go to when I need a hug,” Sophie confesses. “Honestly, I am completely terrified for the first couple weeks of school because I know I won’t have any friends and will still be working my way around campus.”

Students shouldn’t abandon their dreams of adventure just yet, though. They can stay connected through calls, care packages, or visits with nearby relatives. They can also find a campus support system—through clubs, roommates, or mentors. With time, even the unfamiliar can start to feel like home. Sophie has her own plans for combating homesickness: “Spending time with my family who lives in NYC will be my ultimate strategy.”

Homesickness is a growing pain that can lead to resilience, independence, and deeper self-understanding, and it makes the horizon of possibility expand wider than it ever could have been at home. Sophie’s family “has always pushed [her] to be a risk-taker and encouraged [her] to go out of state,” so, even though she’ll miss them, she knows she’s ultimately making the best decision for herself. “I have always known that I wanted to reside in a big city,” Sophie says, assured. “[And] the connection I have with NYC has been something I have forged entirely on my own.”

New York may be overwhelming at first, but somewhere in the blur of yellow taxis and subway screeches, Sophie will find her rhythm. With her sights set on the city that never sleeps, Sophie steps into the next chapter with an Empire State of mind—bold, brave, and unwavering.

Here Comes the Sun: Lekyilen Clay Chooses To Stay (For Now)

When Lekyilen, an alto sax player in Herron’s intermediate band, originally imagined his college journey, he pictured the warm beaches and bustling seaside city of Fort Lauderdale on the Florida coast. “It’s been my dream to explore other places beyond Indiana,” Lekyilen shares. “From the start, I always knew I wanted to go far away.” Like many seniors, he couldn’t wait to start school under an unfamiliar sky in a fresh place waiting to be explored, but, as May first crept closer, Lekyilen realized he had to delay his dream. He’s choosing to stay…for now.

Originally planning to attend Nova Southeastern University, Lekyilen changed his decision to Indiana University. “I decided to go to IU Bloomington because they have a great psychology program, and it’s more affordable than going out of state,” Lekyilen explains. “My plan is to leave Indiana after I complete my undergraduate degree, but for now, I’m focusing on my financial situation.” This strategy of initially staying local gives him the ability to travel further down the line and might be a valid option other seniors should consider. Out-of-state costs are high, as Lekyilen found out, and it could be more beneficial to save the money for when it really matters.

Going to school in Indiana doesn’t require all fours year stuck in the state, though. Universities offer countless study-abroad opportunities that could scratch the itch to discover somewhere new. IU alone has over 300 study-abroad options across more than 60 countries, and most of these opportunities at foreign universities cost the same or very similar to a regular semester of tuition at IU. If students want both the benefits of affordability and proximity to home benefits of an in-state school but still long for the distance and excitement of an out-of-state school, then international travel programs at college could be a satisfying compromise.

IU Bloomington, with its strong academics and reputable psychology program, is more than just a fallback. It offers Lekyilen the structure and support to pursue his interests without the overwhelming burden of out-of-state tuition. Although leaving home still tugs at him, he’s found ways to keep his original dream alive. “I’m hoping to find some scholarships to transfer later,” Lekyilen says. “For now, I’m just taking the cheaper route and trying to make the most of my time at IU.” His family’s support played a major role in helping him come to terms with the change. “They’ve been supportive of my decision to go far from home,” Lekyilen adds, “but their opinions did play a role. I want to make sure I’m making a financially sound decision.”

For students who feel torn—stuck between chasing adventure and choosing stability—Lekyilen’s story offers a valuable reminder: college doesn’t have to be everything all at once. “Consider your financial situation, the programs offered, and your long-term goals,” Lekyilen advises. “Make sure to choose a place that feels right for you, whether it’s close to home or far away.” For him, that meant recognizing that staying in Indiana didn’t mean giving up. It meant staying grounded, saving money, and building a strong academic foundation. College is only the beginning, not the end of the journey. Lekilyen may no longer be bound for the Sunshine State, but he knows the sun will come for him eventually, whether it’s through a transfer, a new city after graduation, or the steady warmth of a bachelor’s degree in hand.

Exit Music (For a Conclusion Paragraph)

Choosing between an in-state or out-of-state college comes down to more than just geography- there is a slew of factors to consider! In-state schools offer affordability and convivence while out-of-state options present opportunities for adventure, independence, and immersion. Both paths come with trade-offs, from financial concerns to emotional hurdles like homesickness. But as these four students demonstrate, no college journey is the same. As Sophie advises: “While, yes, others can provide reliable advice and information, it is ultimately up to YOU to decide where you want to go. Trust your gut and you will feel a pull toward your school.” In other words, tune out the noise, trust yourself, and choose the path that best supports your goals, values, and growth—wherever that may lead.