Disparities in Disruptions to Postsecondary Education Plans During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: College Access During COVID-19

Abstract

Using nationally representative data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey (HPS), this study investigates the prevalence, forms, reasons, and disparities of postsecondary education disruption across sociodemographic groups. While nearly three in four households with postsecondary education plans experienced disruption, the forms and reasons are drastically different. Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to cancel all plans, while Whites are more likely to report taking classes in different formats. Non-white groups are more likely to cancel education plans due to health or financial concerns than Whites. Results also reveal nuanced intersections of race, type of education plans, and household vulnerability in impacting education disruption, pointing to the necessity of well-targeted initiatives to address long-term consequences and resulting inequality.

Author

• Ran Liu, University of Wisconsin - Madison