Research by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) indicates a significant reduction in the college affordability gap during the pandemic, largely due to federal relief measures. However, with the end of these financial supports, future trends in affordability remain uncertain.
Affordability Trends During the Pandemic
The report reveals that public colleges became more affordable during the 2021-22 academic year compared to the previous two years. Specifically, 49% of community colleges and 33% of four-year public institutions were classified as affordable for in-state students, an increase from 40% and 24%, respectively, in the 2019-20 academic year.
Methodology of the Affordability Assessment
The assessment of affordability considered total attendance costs, which included tuition, fees, and living expenses, and compared these against average federal financial aid, family contributions, and estimated income from part-time employment during the academic year. This analysis encompassed 1,216 institutions.
Changes in Affordability Gaps
The report shows a decrease in the average affordability gap for four-year public colleges, which fell from $2,627 in 2019-20 to $1,690 in 2021-22. For community colleges, the gap reduced from $907 to $287 during the same timeframe. Louisa Woodhouse, a senior policy associate at NCAN and the study’s lead author, attributes this improvement primarily to the extensive emergency federal aid provided during the pandemic. With the expiration of these funds, there is skepticism about the ongoing decrease in the affordability gap.
Impact of Federal Pandemic Relief Measures
Federal pandemic relief measures included approximately $76 billion designated for student aid and institutional support. Pell Grant recipients received average emergency grants of around $1,380 in 2022, while students not eligible for Pell Grants received about $890 each. The report also identifies other contributing factors to increased affordability, such as reductions in tuition and fees, as well as a slight rise in the maximum Pell Grant amount.
Future Directions for College Affordability
Woodhouse noted that the continued expansion of aid sources could significantly influence the direction of the affordability gap. The report underscores that cost remains a major barrier for students seeking higher education. A recent Gallup poll found that 85% of high school students consider college important; however, only 62% intend to enroll, with just 53% believing they can afford it.
Recommended Strategies to Improve Accessibility
To address ongoing challenges related to college affordability, experts recommend that institutions might consider measures such as freezing tuition, increasing awareness of financial aid options, and encouraging students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some states have begun to implement policies requiring high school seniors to complete the FAFSA as a condition for graduation in an effort to promote college access.
(Source: Higher Ed Dive)