Bridging the Gap Between Rural Communities and Higher Education

Abstract

Following the economic downturn in 2008, college enrollment numbers increased significantly by 16% between 2007 and 2010 (18.1 million) but decreased by 7% between 2010 and 2017 (Irwin et al., 2021). Research has shown that rural Kansans are less likely to pursue higher education than their urban counterparts (Choy, 2002). This is partly due to a lack of access to higher education institutions in rural areas. Additionally, many rural students face financial barriers to higher education, including the cost of tuition, housing, and transportation (Perna, 2010). Kansans were given a 34-question survey regarding their higher education decision-making. The survey found perceived lack of necessity and existing family, or work obligations may play a role in lower rural higher education attainment rates.