As the cost of higher education continues to soar, access to college is becoming increasingly out of reach for many students across the United States. But for those hailing from rural areas of Wisconsin, the barriers to post-secondary attainment loom particularly large.
Rural students face a unique set of challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education. Often, they live far from colleges and universities, making commuting impractical and on-campus housing a necessity. However, room and board costs can add thousands to the already-steep price tag of tuition. And for those who do enroll, the transition to a campus likely to be dominated by their more urban and suburban peers can be a jarring one.
Furthermore, rural schools frequently have fewer resources to devote to college counseling, leaving students to navigate the complex application process largely on their own. With less exposure to the idea of college as a viable option, rural students may be less likely to aspire to attend in the first place.
The consequences of these challenges are clear. Rural students enroll in college at lower rates than their urban and suburban counterparts, and are less likely to complete a degree once they do enroll.
But the news is not all bleak. Efforts are underway to address the unique barriers rural students face in accessing higher education. Initiatives like the Wisconsin Rural School Counseling Support Project are providing additional college counseling resources to rural districts. Programs like the Wisconsin Rural Youth College Access Program are offering scholarships and support specifically to rural students.
And some colleges are recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives rural students bring to campus, actively seeking to recruit and retain them. By offering rural-specific scholarships, pre-orientation programs, and support services, these institutions aim to help rural students succeed.
The path to college will likely remain steeper for rural Wisconsin students than for their peers. But with concerted effort and support, it is possible to level the playing field and ensure that a degree is within reach, no matter one’s zip code.
