As someone who attended school 3hrs away at 16, I do not recommend it for everyone. There was no support at my school and the social aspect took over.
With that being said, there are lots of students who may be ready for college at an early age. I would highly suggest somewhere close where you can keep tabs on them.
It is very easy to get caught up in “bad college behaviors.” Peer pressure is a tough thing for a 16 year old, especially when their dormmates are 18-22. My roommate would wake up and say, “I’m not going to class today, how about you?” Most of you were thinking I was purely talking about drugs or alcohol, right? LOL
The irony is after graduating 2 years early, it took me 6 years to graduate college. I did begin my career at 18 and went part time, but it was not an easy time.
Good luck to all faced with this choice right now. Give them as much support as you can…even if they tell you they don’t need it!