US EditionCollege Isn’t in the Plans for Many Rural Students Despite Stepped-up Recruiting Efforts
RURAL AREAS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, AUG 2 – About 15% of rural high school students took college classes in early 2025, but enrollment rates remain steady due to distance, parental experience, and skepticism about higher education.
- Rural high school students like Briar Townes and Devon Wells in upstate New York recently graduated while earning some college credits but often do not plan to attend college.
- This trend stems from longstanding skepticism about higher education's value in rural areas, where fewer adults hold bachelor's degrees and tuition costs loom large.
- Schools and districts, including Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. and Perry High, promote college enrollment and career training and set goals to achieve 100% college admission.
- About 55% of rural graduates enrolled in college in 2023, with 15% participating in college classes via dual enrollment, while college can increase lifetime earnings by up to $900,000 for men.
- Despite district efforts and some recruitment gains, college enrollment among rural students remains flat, reflecting persistent challenges in perception and access.
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As a student in western New York’s rural Wyoming County, Briar Townes honed an artistic streak that he hopes to make a living from one day. In high school, he clicked with a college-level drawing and painting class. But despite the college credits he earned, college isn’t part of his plan. Since graduating from high school in June, he has been overseeing an art camp at the county’s Arts Council. If that doesn’t turn into a permanent job, there i…
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources97
Leaning Left19Leaning Right6Center58Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
L 23%
C 70%
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