According to an article published in the Indianapolis Star on August 15, 2004, "Educators credit tight family budgets and more aggressive college recruiting strategies, among other factors, for the choice. The trend gives hope to experts who lament the state's so-called "brain drain," a pattern of college graduates who take jobs outside Indiana. Studies show Hoosier students are more likely to stay in the state if they go to college here."

"Indiana has one of the strongest financial aid programs in the nation, with a fourth-place national standing in the amount of money spent per student, said Stanley G. Jones, the state's higher education commissioner. Money for needy students tops $150 million a year. College recruiters are paying more attention to Indiana students. Magazines that tout Indiana colleges target students as young as 13. Brochures from colleges often start filling student mailboxes during their freshman year of high school.

Purdue University started a marketing campaign four years ago that includes visits to nearly every high school in the state. The pitch: a top-notch education for bargain-basement prices.

David Franco, 18, bought it. The Roncalli High School valedictorian picked Purdue over Ivy League schools despite his folks' offer to pay his way anywhere.

Purdue's No. 8 standing among engineering schools in this year's U.S. News and World Report magazine was the proof Franco needed. A full scholarship from Eli Lilly and Co. didn't hurt, either.

"It feels good for someone to say, 'We appreciate your hard work, and we want you to stay here,' " said Franco, who will study biomedical engineering. "It seems like people are scared that most of the best students are taking their success to other states. But there's a lot of opportunity if you stay in the state."

Purdue officials believe the recruiting has started to pay off. Applications from Indiana residents this year reached 9,610, a jump of more than 600 within two years, said Doug Christiansen, Purdue's dean of admissions.

For the full article or additional information, call Star reporter Staci Hupp at (317) 444-6253.