A recent report reveals that the distance to community colleges has a significant impact on students’ decisions to pursue higher education in Texas. The analysis indicates that Black and Hispanic high school students, who are required to travel over 30 minutes to reach the nearest community college, are less likely to seek a degree.
Impact on Enrollment Decisions
The findings show that Black, Hispanic, and low-income students are more likely to abandon their college aspirations when faced with long travel distances. In contrast, White, Asian, and higher-income students tend to enroll in four-year universities even when they live far from community colleges.
Study Overview
Conducted by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, the research examined Texas students who graduated from public high schools between 2013 and 2017. The study focused on students’ enrollment in public colleges within Texas and their progress toward obtaining degrees, particularly analyzing those residing in areas classified as community college “deserts.” Such regions are defined as areas where public high schools are situated more than a 30-minute drive from the nearest community college.
Barriers for Minority Students
The report identifies unique barriers faced by Black and Hispanic students in attending and completing college, including caretaking responsibilities that may keep them at home. Many of these students are often the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Transportation as a Major Factor
Transportation emerges as a critical factor influencing students’ post-high school decisions. The financial burden associated with vehicle expenses and fuel can hinder students from continuing their education. According to Riley Acton, a researcher from Miami University in Ohio, school transportation is provided until high school, but students bear the responsibility for their own transportation to post-secondary institutions.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the shift towards online learning, changing the landscape of higher education in Texas. However, the effectiveness of remote learning in mitigating the challenges posed by community college deserts is uncertain, particularly as many students may struggle with limited access to broadband and essential technology such as reliable laptops.
Consequences of School Closures
The report also highlights the negative effects of school closures on students’ college ambitions, especially in Texas, where state lawmakers have undertaken significant revisions to community college funding aimed at stabilizing struggling rural institutions.
Policy Recommendations
Riley Acton suggests that policymakers can influence the establishment of college campuses through the opening and merging of institutions. The findings advocate for the expansion of community college options in historically underserved regions as a strategic and economically viable measure to improve access to higher education in Texas.
The Texas Tribune collaborates with Open Campus to cover issues related to higher education.