This study explored reasons for the rapid increase in the number of Palestinian Arabs from Israel (PAI) studying higher education (HE) in Jordan. Four hundred and sixty PAI studying in Jordan answered a questionnaire assessing factors related to HE in both countries. Lenient admission requirements and cultural-language similarity explain Jordan's popularity. Nevertheless, PAI view Jordan HE as a constrained solution, preferring to study in Israel despite difficulties in an Israeli-Jewish environment. Studying in Jordan has unique advantages for PAI women. This flow of PAI students is undesirable and long-term consequences may not be beneficial. Affirmative action and establishment of an Israeli-Arab university may constitute alternatives.