<p>I think you’ll find your needs can be met within “300 miles of central Iowa” but I can’t help but share this thought (beat me with a stick if you must) while your search process is still young. </p>
<p>I have changed my understanding of distance, after 3 kids, because I see how long and expensive car travel is. Some of it will involve your S’s feeling of where he is comfortable, and if his emotional comfort zone is there, then no need to mess with that. But ask yourself if it’s you or him deciding the 300-mile thing.</p>
<p>If you both begin to feel there are not enough options inside your circle on the map, then it might be worth the exercise to dial up Expedia.com and compare the flight costs to some other locations, against the cost of driving, which includes wear-and-tear on the car. If there is a direct flight, and discount fares to a major city such as St. Louis or Chicago (just pulling these out of my hat), other than that first drive-out to deliver him he might just come and go by plane, and save you time and money. Also, don’t look for the fares next week; look many months ahead for the route, since deals are sometimes bad with last-minute air ticket purchase.
This also depends on how he feels about cars, of course. But most colleges and universities don’t require cars, by any means, and have shuttles from airports to the college on key days. So it’s all doable, just takes time to get used to thinking this way.<br>
Anyway, it has really changed my approach to where I’m comfortable sending my kids; instead of looking at map miles, I now measure it by flight-fares. And, this goes without saying, we don’t mind flying in planes, security, etc. which some people don’t like. It’s personal. </p>
<p>I just wanted to say it, since you’re looking for a specialized major from a less populous part of the country.</p>