A review of estimates of housing insecurity and homelessness among students in U.S. higher education

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lack of secure affordable housing is a substantial concern for many of today’s college students. Over the past two decades, the price of college has risen, the purchasing power of need-based financial aid has declined, and most family incomes have stagnated. This paper provides a review of estimates of the prevalence of housing insecurity, including homelessness, among college students in the U.S. from peer-reviewed and grey literature and a nationally representative study of undergraduates. Data from the latest National Postsecondary Student Aid Study indicate that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. undergraduates are homeless or self-supporting and at risk of homelessness; results from a review of extant research that utilizes multiple measures and samples is consistent with this national estimate. In addition, weighted results from the literature review indicate that 45% of college students experience some form of housing insecurity including problems related to housing unaffordability, instability, or homelessness. Community college students appear to be at greater risk of housing insecurity and homelessness in comparison to their peers at four-year colleges and universities. Given the scope and implications of this problem, programmatic and policy efforts to promote college success and student well-being must include consideration of students’ housing situations.