I distinctly remember about five years ago being on a New Jersey campus of a strong liberal arts school in New Jersey discussing how to make New Jersey more "sexy" for college students.  College freshmen were exiting the state in droves opting for institutions in neighboring states.  NJ institutions were challenged to keep students from going out of state by showing how accessible New York City was or the beautiful suburban campuses in the northern suburbs. Fast forward to 2009 - students who are New Jersey residents are transferring home in record numbers!!!   With the opportunity to save thousands of dollars in tuition and housing costs, it's hard to argue the decision based on the economic situation recently.   A recent Star-Ledger article details the changing recruiting plans as the transfer population becomes a very important part of enrollment funnels like never before. New Jersey institutions are becoming creative in their approach to transfers by offering transfer scholarships, "Transfer Tuesday" orientation programs, transfer mentors and transfer seminars etc.  I guess New Jersey is sexy again.  

Dana Edwards