Rural Colleges Make the Most of ‘Off the Beaten Path’ Locations

Promoting distinctive programs is one way that rural colleges are attracting students and faculty members at a time when the number of high-school graduates is falling, particularly in the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Much of New England, along with Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, face projected declines of 5 percent or more from the 2012-13 to the 2025-26 academic years, according to the U.S. Education Department.  Getting people from urban and suburban areas to consider a rural college can be challenging. Many have preconceived notions about rural America, and they don’t want to give up the conveniences — or culture — of city life