Rural/Nonrural Differences in College Major Choice

• In Event: 33.079 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 33.079-17 - Rural and Latino Student Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

In this article, we analyze rural/non-rural differences in college major choice for respondents to the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002-2006 (ELS:02/06), focusing on students enrolled in 4-year colleges. We find that rural/non-rural differences in college major choice are present even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and academic preparation in high school. Specifically, rural students are far less likely than their metro counterparts to choose social science majors relative to humanities and other majors. These rural/non-rural differences in college major selection are similarly observed for both male and female students. Findings suggest that rurality plays an important role in some college major choice.

Authors

• Soo-yong Byun, The Pennsylvania State University

• Erica Lopatofsky Kryst, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park