High School Success Isn’t Translating Into College Enrollment For Rural Teens

Numerous high school seniors are currently engaged in the college application process or are awaiting responses from their chosen institutions. For students hailing from rural areas in the United States, this process appears markedly different. Rural students often face limitations, such as fewer elite colleges attending local admissions fairs and a lack of essential high school courses necessary for admission, as noted by Sheneka Williams, a scholar in educational leadership and rural education.While nearly 10 million U.S. students attended rural schools in 2022, research indicates that rural students graduate high school at a higher rate than their urban counterparts. Yet, their college attendance rate lags behind. Factors contributing to this gap include limited recruitment efforts by colleges and apprehensions about leaving familiar surroundings. Additionally, rural students often lack access to critical resources and courses, such as advanced science classes, that bolster college readiness. Colleges must enhance engagement with rural students, ensuring appropriate support systems are in place once they enroll.