The Class of 2024 is saying farewell and heading off to 144 different colleges including 6 international schools in Canada, England, Spain and the Netherlands. There were many contenders for Hi’s Eye’s Top 4, but as of print deadline, again, the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University takes the top slot with 17 attendees. Indiana University and Penn State University trail close behind, and Fairfield University is on the list for the second year in a row. Read below to discover why these four universities are WHS Seniors’ most sought-after choices.

Rutgers 

For the fifth year in a row, Rutgers University remains the most popular school among WHS Seniors. Whether it is because of its proximity to our hometown, its lively sports or its impressive academics, the in-state Big Ten school spends yet another year at the top of this list. With multiple campuses spanning the state of New Jersey and SHI Stadium, the Birthplace of College Football, Rutgers makes for a perfect, big-school experience. Senior Roman Pena chose to be Scarlet Knight for many reasons. He said, “Rutgers is very cheap in terms of tuition compared to going out of state which was a major factor in my decision process. As well, Rutgers being cheaper didn’t sacrifice any of the benefits of going to a Big 10 school with competitive sports teams and great programs. For finance, Rutgers is rising in the college rankings each year and by being close to the city, I get great internship opportunities.”

Indiana 

Although it didn’t make last year’s list, Indiana University makes its much-deserved comeback to the Top four colleges for 2024 graduates. Located in Bloomington, IN, this Big Ten school offers a beautiful campus in a vibrant, yet homey, college town. Its popularity is clear with 13 choosing to call IU home for the next four years. Senior Claire Morano will be a Hoosier in the fall and said, “What stood out to me most was the student atmosphere and the beautiful campus. I knew when looking for a college that I wanted to go somewhere that would encourage me to get out of bed in the morning which is exactly what Indiana felt like to me. My family loved it and I easily could see myself there.” With the Little 9 and the Indy 500, it’s a hub for intriguing activities and student involvement. It also boasts impressive academics, specifically with the Kelley School of Business, a top 20 business school in the country.

Penn State 

Whether it is because of the notorious White Out football game or the famous dance fundraiser, “Thon,” Penn State has many WHS Seniors excited to shout “We Are.” Coming in at the third most popular school with 12 WHS students attending this fall, Penn State remains on the list for yet another year. Located in State College, PA, Penn State’s campus is large, but the surrounding college town helps the students feel right at home. For senior Casey Engel, she has been dreaming of becoming a Nittany Lion for her entire life. “I love how big of a school it is because there are so many opportunities,” Engel said. With more than 47,000 students at the main campus, University Park, Penn State fosters a diverse community where students can really find their niche. Engel loved the school at such a young age “because the culture, the school spirit and sense of community is unmatched.”

Fairfield 

After its surprising debut on last year’s list, the small Connecticut school is not looking to leave its top four spot anytime soon. As a Jesuit university with a population of 5,000 students, Fairfield is an appealing school for many WHS students looking to continue their academic career at a small to mid-sized university. Senior Stephen Edwards chose Fairfield for “the distance from home and the location.” With its close proximity to Connecticut’s breezy beaches resembling Westfield’s connection to the Jersey shore, while only being a two-hour drive from home, its out of state location makes it easy for students to start fresh, but in a familiar coastal atmosphere. Edwards also thinks “it will set [him] up well for [his] future.” We wish the best of luck to Edwards and the nine other WHS students who accepted their offer to become a Stag next year.