Barriers In Higher Education for Northeastern Rural Students

• In Event: Addressing Educational Challenges: Justice, Rural Higher Ed, Pandemic Impact, Attention Economy, and Urban Gentrification

Abstract

Rural students have been chronically underrepresented at America’s top universities for decades. The creation of initiatives such as the College Board’s National Recognition Program show a clear desire to attract more rural students to campuses, but these initiatives fail to consider the diversity of rural America. Though often associated only with Appalachia and Middle America, this paper will demonstrate that the term rural applies to populations across the United States. Moreover, these populations face barriers to higher education that are unique to their geographic region. By focusing on rurality in the Northeast specifically, this research aims to bring broader awareness to one of the most ignored rural populations. Rural schools in Northeastern states are critically underfunded, meaning their students are not adequately prepared for competitive college admissions. Therefore, colleges must be understanding of this deficit and draft programs to remedy the underrepresentation of rural students. An analysis of existing programs at elite American colleges that serve rural students, such as Washington University in St. Louis’ use of an $845,000 donation to dedicate admissions officers to recruiting local rural students, demonstrates that universities must adapt more comprehensive strategies to foster truly heterogeneous student bodies. Ultimately, this paper will illustrate that increasing the number of rural students attending top colleges benefits all parties involved by creating more productive academic environments, increasing rural students' access to economic capital, and encouraging cultural exchange among varying communities.

Author

• Jenna Perrone, Northern Burlington High School