Differences in Students’ Perceptions of Financial and Academic Challenges Due to Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Generation Status and Gender: An Exploratory Quantitative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities and highlighted failures of U.S. higher education institutions to serve their students’ needs. The purpose of this exploratory quantitative survey study was to examine differences in students’ perceptions of academic and financial challenges encountered in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlighted differences by generation status, gender, and their intersections. Insight into the perceptions of these sub-populations can shed light on ways to reorganize higher educational structures to provide equitable student support in online environments and during times of crisis.