The Impact of College Deserts on Access to Higher Education for Black and Hispanic Students
Introduction
Recent research has highlighted the issue of “college deserts,” which are defined as regions where residents live more than a 30-minute drive from the nearest higher education institution. A new study drawing on extensive high school and college data from Texas illustrates that college deserts disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and low-income students. According to the study, these demographic groups are significantly less likely to attend college compared to their white and Asian peers residing in the same areas. The absence of nearby two-year colleges seems to correlate with a trend of students relocating for educational opportunities.
Challenges Faced by Students
The findings indicate that while all students in college deserts encounter challenges in completing associate degrees, the outcomes differ markedly based on ethnicity and economic status. For low-income students and underrepresented minorities, proximity to community colleges appears to be a critical factor in accessing higher education. In contrast, students from other demographic backgrounds may view two-year colleges as a viable pathway to pursuing four-year degrees.
Operational Challenges for Colleges
These results are particularly relevant in the context of the operational challenges faced by several colleges. Riley Acton, an assistant professor of economics at Miami University in Ohio and a co-researcher of the study, underscores the importance of considering the demographic profiles of surrounding students in decisions regarding the closure or consolidation of public institutions.
Transportation Solutions
The research team also recommends that colleges explore transportation solutions for students living in college deserts, as a lack of reliable transportation can serve as a significant barrier to accessing education. Acton pointed out that in rural Texas, the absence of a vehicle can create substantial obstacles without additional support mechanisms.
Demographic Disparities
Further analysis indicates that Black and Hispanic students are statistically more likely to reside in college deserts. Nicholas Hillman, a professor of educational policy at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and an early researcher on this topic, describes the implications of the recent study as noteworthy, particularly regarding the significant disparities in educational outcomes that arise from geographical location.
Recommendations for Improvement
Hillman advocates for a streamlined transfer process from two-year institutions to four-year colleges to enhance access for students who begin their education in two-year colleges. He has expressed concerns about the prevailing narrative that a lack of information is the primary barrier to college attendance, arguing that financial constraints are considerably more influential in shaping students’ decisions regarding higher education.
Source: EdSurge