To the OP, I haven’t read all the comments, so I’ll try to answer your question without alot of sidetracking. Im really not sure Why MHC doesn’t recruit locally. I can guess it’s because they probably assume local kids are aware of valley colleges and can come easily for tours/info sessions etc. Out of state kids don’t have that luxury. My daughter graduated last year. She had a pal from the local MA area. MHC doesn’t “discriminate” against local kids, in fact I remember hearing something about a special program for lower income MA residents. Yes there are some outrageously rich international students as well as some some crazy rich US students–girls that arrive with a caravan pulling show horses and furniture suites (yes you can bring your own dorm furniture LOLOLOLOL). But that’s the exception. I would say most students (over 50%) are from middle class back grounds and receive some sort of FA or scholarship. Most of the parents I met at graduation were equally excited to see their daughter achieve an amazing accomplishment and be free of the enormous tuition burden. MHC was wonderful experience for my daughter–life shaping, actually. Best of luck to you.