When choosing a college, students find themselves facing several questions. From what major to choose to what campus size is more suitable, there are many. Whether to stay close to home or go MIA for four years is among these. Many are unsure of which they would prefer, but some students are certain of where they would be happiest.

Caitlin, a senior, has had her mind made up months. She says she is looking at going to UW-Green Bay, St. Norbert’s, UW-Whitewater, Carroll University, or UW-Waukesha.

“It wouldn’t be so bad to go out of state, but I’m hoping to stay in the UW system,” she says.

She says she likes the idea of staying in the state she knows best.

“[The benefit of staying in-state is] that I have family in Green Bay, so if I wanted to stay with them I could. I also want to stay close to home in case I need anything,” she says.

However, Caitlin isn’t just thinking about the next four years. She is preparing herself for the future to come after college.

“I think after college I would want to stay in Wisconsin to stay close to family,” she says.

Although the process of finding the right college is a lengthy, tedious one, Caitlinis certain that Wisconsin is where she is meant to be.

Likewise, Jess, also a senior, says she is looking at colleges in the UW system. Jess says she is looking at attending either UW-Green Bay or UW-La Crosse.

“I want to get my teaching license and it would be difficult to get it in another state,” she says.

Teaching has been Jess’ dream job for as long as she can remember, and not only does she want to pursue it in the state of Wisconsin, but she says she also wants to apply it a little closer to home.

“I want to teach,” she says.

With this goal in mind, Jess says the best option for her is to stay in Wisconsin for college. She also says there are other benefits of staying in-state.

“I want to be relatively close to home, and cost is a huge benefit. I won’t be broke for the rest of my life,” she says.

Similar to Caitlin, Jess is also preparing for her future after college in that regard. However, Jess says she is not quite sure what will happen after college, but the possibilities are definitely endless.

Jess addresses some of the possibilities for her future with excitement and uncertainty.

“Yes, [I would consider living in another state after college], but that’s in the future, so I’ll deal with that when the time comes.”