*The student-attractor score determines that, with all other things being equal, the school with the most of each category will attract this (percentage) more students than those with the least. Certain variables, such as institution size, selectivity, and student traits (e.g., percentage of first-generation students, average GPA of admitted students), are excluded as these elements serve as control variables and help segment the analysis across different types of schools.
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Most important factors influencing students' college decisions U.S. 2025
According to a study conducted in 2025, the greatest factor influencing students' college choice in the United States was the number of majors offered by the school. Campus safety was also a significant factor, receiving a student-attractor score of ***, meaning that the most safe schools will attract *** percent more students than those with the least.
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EAB. (January 26, 2025). Top ten most important factors influencing students' college decisions in the United States in 2025, by student-attractor score* [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 27, 2026, from /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/
EAB. "Top ten most important factors influencing students' college decisions in the United States in 2025, by student-attractor score*." Chart. January 26, 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 27, 2026. /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/
EAB. (2025). Top ten most important factors influencing students' college decisions in the United States in 2025, by student-attractor score*. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 27, 2026. /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/
EAB. "Top Ten Most Important Factors Influencing Students' College Decisions in The United States in 2025, by Student-attractor Score*." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 26 Jan 2025, /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/
EAB, Top ten most important factors influencing students' college decisions in the United States in 2025, by student-attractor score* ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/ (last visited July 27, 2026)
Top ten most important factors influencing students' college decisions in the United States in 2025, by student-attractor score* [Graph], EAB, January 26, 2025. [Online]. Available: /statistics/706268/top-10-factors-in-deciding-on-a-specific-college-us/
