Texas Students Facing Challenges in Accessing Community Colleges: Report
A recent study conducted by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University has shed light on the challenges faced by Texas students in accessing community colleges. The study focused on students who graduated from public high schools between 2013 and 2017, tracking their enrollment in Texas public colleges and their progress towards obtaining a degree.
Barriers to Access
The study revealed that distance plays a significant role in students’ decisions regarding higher education. The proximity of a community college to a student’s high school can heavily influence whether they choose to pursue a college degree. Living far from a community college often encourages White, Asian, and higher-income students to opt for a four-year university instead, while Black, Hispanic, and low-income students are more likely to forgo college altogether if they are not close to a community college. Unique Challenges
Black and Hispanic students face unique barriers when it comes to accessing and completing college. They are more likely to have caretaking responsibilities that prevent them from leaving home. Additionally, many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, adding another layer of complexity to their educational journey. Financial Constraints
Access to transportation also emerged as a significant factor impacting students’ decisions post-high school. The cost of transportation, including gas and car payments, can create a financial burden that deters students from pursuing a college degree or forces college students to drop out. Riley Acton, a researcher from Miami University in Ohio, highlighted the disparity in transportation support between K-12 and post-secondary education, emphasizing the need for improved access to transportation for college students.
Black and Hispanic students face unique barriers when it comes to accessing and completing college. They are more likely to have caretaking responsibilities that prevent them from leaving home. Additionally, many of these students are the first in their families to attend college, adding another layer of complexity to their educational journey.
Financial Constraints
Access to transportation also emerged as a significant factor impacting students’ decisions post-high school. The cost of transportation, including gas and car payments, can create a financial burden that deters students from pursuing a college degree or forces college students to drop out. Riley Acton, a researcher from Miami University in Ohio, highlighted the disparity in transportation support between K-12 and post-secondary education, emphasizing the need for improved access to transportation for college students.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of remote learning in expanding access to higher education. While online classes can help students in community college deserts avoid long commutes, challenges such as limited access to reliable broadband and necessary technology persist. The report’s findings underscored the impact of school closures on students’ college plans, particularly in areas with limited access to community colleges.
In conclusion, the study’s authors emphasized the need for policymakers to address the disparities in access to higher education by expanding community college options in underserved areas. By opening new campuses and merging existing ones, policymakers can improve access to higher education for students in historically marginalized communities. As Texas continues to navigate changes in its higher education landscape, addressing these barriers to access will be crucial in ensuring all students have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.