Choosing where to go for college can be one of the biggest financial and personal decisions teenagers and their families make. It can shape their access to alumni networks, research opportunities, and internships, as well as their careers going forward.

For some, moving away for a stronger academic program or better long-term earnings potential is worth the cost and the distance. For others, the sticker shock of tuition at out-of-state schools and the costs of moving away from home make in-state options much more appealing.

The good news for both kinds of students is that quality education is available across the US, whether it’s in the big…