College students, especially those with long commutes, are voicing concerns about the untenable cost of traveling to and from their campuses, internships, and jobs.
Topics: Student necessities
Preventing small, unexpected expenses from becoming big obstacles
Even minor unforseen costs can pose a formidable challenge for low-income students. Colleges are finding ways to ensure that temporary hurdles don’t have lasting consequences.
HBCU initiative aims to address widespread basic needs insecurity
Two-thirds of HBCU students surveyed in fall 2020 reported basic needs insecurity, according to a report released in tandem with a new initiative to help historically black institutions advocate for funding and deepen their support services.
Transportation access top of mind for campus leaders
Many students lack safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to and from campus. A growing number of colleges are taking note.
$65B broadband investment could help address the digital divide
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law this week includes $65 billion to boost broadband access in rural areas and tribal communities, addressing a key barrier to equity in higher education.
Two-thirds of students in need didn’t apply for emergency aid, report finds
A new report highlights structural barriers that prevented students from accessing emergency grants this past year—insights that could help shape student support beyond the pandemic.
Simple nudges may boost use of basic needs supports, Hope Center says
Intentional outreach more than doubled low-income students’ use of resources at one Texas community college. The low-cost strategy could help improve completion rates more broadly, according to a new report from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice.
How one college uncovers student needs beyond the classroom
Amarillo College, known for its comprehensive approach to meeting students’ basic needs, says a simple questionnaire has provided crucial visibility and helped increase its graduation and transfer rate.
Higher ed leaders concerned about Hurricane Ida’s toll on students
Nearly a month after Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, several universities are still getting back on their feet and attempting to re-engage students.
With $35B from Congress, college emergency aid programs multiply, evolve
U.S. colleges and universities collectively have received billions in federal funds for emergency student aid this past year, prompting campuses to create—and refine—programs that connect students with timely support.
Survey finds 3 in 5 college students report basic needs insecurity
A new report shows the pandemic’s impact on college students’ food and housing struggles, finding that 58 percent of students experienced basic needs insecurity in fall 2020.
#RealCollege survey finds housing, food insecurity persist; record number of schools participate
Data collection remains a challenge, with most marginalized students hardest to reach.