Southern Public Universities Face Growing Pressure to Combat Regional Brain Drain

By Anita Raj · Hechinger Report · 2026-07-13

The Hechinger Report details a deepening crisis in states like Louisiana and Mississippi, where only 25 percent of adults hold a college degree and many graduates are fleeing the region for better prospects. Public institutions are struggling to maintain their role as economic en

The Hechinger Report details a deepening crisis in states like Louisiana and Mississippi, where only 25 percent of adults hold a college degree and many graduates are fleeing the region for better prospects. Public institutions are struggling to maintain their role as economic en