The Class of 2026 is ending their chapter at WHS and heading off to 144 different colleges, including 3 international universities in Canada, Italy and Australia. There were many schools that vied for one of Hi’s Eye’s top four colleges. However, as of Hi’s Eye print deadline, Rutgers University reigns as number 1, with 17 WHS students becoming Scarlet Knights next year. Penn State closely follows as a familiar choice, and The Ohio State and Clemson are introduced into the mix this year. Read below to see why these colleges made the top four.
RUTGERS
This Big Ten hometown favorite tops the list for the seventh year in a row. Whether it’s because of its proximity to Westfield or its impressive academics, Rutgers University continues to be a favorite among WHS students. Rutgers is home to 37,985 undergraduate students and is ranked number 16 in top public schools, according to usnews.com. This is one of the reasons senior Katherine Augustyn picked RU. She also felt the school had a strong program for her intended major of diagnostic medical sonography. In addition, the future Scarlet Knight shared, “I like how New Jersey is where my friends and family are, and that it’s an hour away from the city and beach.”
PENN STATE
For the fourth year in a row, Penn State University has secured its spot in the top four colleges. Ranked number 26 in top public schools, according to usnews.com, PSU is home to 42,822 undergraduate students and is located in University Park, PA. With an unforgettable sports atmosphere, especially at Beaver Stadium, and just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Westfield, it is clear why PSU reigns as a top choice. For senior Dylan Singer, these qualities are what helped him make his decision. “The campus is huge, and it’s close to home, but not too close where my parents can come every weekend,” said Singer. “I don’t think I’ll ever get bored. The sports are great — there is always an activity going on.”
THE OHIO STATE
The Ohio State University, another Big Ten school on the list, is a new addition to the top four colleges this year, coming in as the third most popular college among WHS students. The campus is located in Columbus, Ohio, with an undergraduate population of 46,815 students. According to usnews.com, OSU is ranked number 15 in top public schools and is a major research powerhouse. The reason senior and future Buckeye Kayla Reyes picked OSU is because of the school’s atmosphere, sports and academics. Reyes felt that the school “has the big-time sports [she] has always wanted in a college.” She explained, “I am very big on school spirit and sports, so it was perfect.”
CLEMSON
Clemson University surprised many by making it onto the list for the first time this year. The University is ranked number 36 in top public schools, according to usnews.com, and is home to 23,401 undergraduate students. It’s located in Clemson, SC, the furthest school from home among the top four colleges on the list. Besides being known for its sports atmosphere with it’s famous stadium known as “Death Valley,” Clemson is also known for its strong academics and breathtaking campus. “I picked Clemson because when I toured the school, everyone was super nice, and the campus was beautiful,” said senior Declan McGorty.