Question, how does college factor into this
That's a good question! But I assume there is already a local college that everyone will be attending and going to just like high school and elementary school! I believe your characters are in high school as of now. Most likely seniors or juniors.
most students would go to the local college that's on the town. However seeing as their lives will change after realizing things at Sandy Cay, their future ideas can be broader and not so narrow!
So although like your parents may be from different countries, they found their living in this small town where everyone is treated equally and no one is more important than the other because everyone has their roles. So I believe that those who come into small town normally stays in small town and never leaves.
@lonecoyote correct me if I'm wrong ~