It’s a common term on CC and everyone knows what it means so I don’t find it offensive - an academic and financial choice that is assured. NOT so much out in the “real world” or on social where most kids don’t engage in a national search for a place to get a BA/BS. Also “safety” may not mean the college is “beneath” the student - it may be the absolutely perfect school for whatever they are going to study AND the family can afford it and the student will get accepted. That is an ideal college choice so not a negative as @Vineyarder pointed out. My oldest went to what was a safety for him but all four of his colleges were “safeties” as he had something specific in his mind and it was really just a matter of deciding after Christmas which one.