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The Hechinger Report
OPINION: Now is not the time to put college plans on hold
A plea for sticking it out during the pandemic amid worrying trends
By Craig Robinson
November 24, 2020
As a fall semester transformed by the Covid-19 pandemic continues, a
startling trend is emerging: Students, especially those from low-income
backgrounds, are leaving college at an alarming rate.
Around 100,000 fewer high school seniors completed financial aid
applications to attend college this year than in 2019, according to an
analysis by the National College Attainment Network. Students from
families with incomes below $75,000 are about three times as likely to
have canceled all educational plans this fall as students from families
with incomes above $100,000.
The impact of the pandemic has — understandably — left many students
wondering whether it makes sense to put their college plans on hold.
But they should know their seemingly short-term decisions to delay
their education could have long-term consequences.
Even as the country struggles under the strain of the pandemic, it is
vital that students, in the safest way possible, commit to continuing
their education. As Covid-19 continues to upend much of American life,
students must do whatever they can to safely ensure the pandemic does
not also upend their educational plans — and their futures.
According to one recent survey, 34 percent of adults have changed or
canceled their education plans because of Covid-19. Students of color
are the most likely to have been impacted by the pandemic, with half of
Latino respondents and more than 40 percent of Black respondents having
changed or outright canceled their education plans.
Federal data also show a significant and troubling drop in renewals of
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by returning college
students from low-income backgrounds, according to an analysis from the
National College Attainment Network. About 250,000 fewer students from
the lowest-income backgrounds have renewed this form, known as the
FAFSA, compared with last year.
In times as challenging as these, it can be tempting for students to
hit the pause button on their education, especially when facing
financial hardship. For many institutions, virtual learning will be the
best, safest option for the fall, which presents students with a host
of additional challenges.
Earlier recessions have demonstrated just how necessary a college
degree can be in navigating an economic recovery, and research shows
that taking time off from school is a risky proposition.
However, it’s critical to think beyond this difficult semester or year.
Attending college now is about maintaining the energy required for
graduating later. Momentum and continuity are key in ensuring students
earn a degree.
Students who enroll in college immediately after high school are more
likely to graduate from college, and students who decide to postpone
their college plans are less likely to ever earn a degree.
Our research suggests that students who maintain a continuous
enrollment status graduate within six years or less at a rate nine
times higher than those who “stop out.” Only one-third of students who
stop out in their first two years reenroll, and less than 10 percent
attain a bachelor’s degree within six years.
For those who do go back, stopping out increases the time it takes to reach graduation and the cost of earning a degree.
The return on this investment — and sacrifice — won’t be immediate, but
staying on track can set students up for a far better life down the
road.
Individuals with bachelor’s degrees will earn $400,000 more in their
lifetimes than those with just a high school diploma, according to the
College Board. Although there is variance across backgrounds, the
students we work with demonstrate that a college degree remains the
surest bet for students of color, as well as for those from low-income
backgrounds.
Five years after graduation, our former students report a median
individual income of $40,000 to $50,999, and after 10 years, more than
one-third have family incomes of $100,000 or more.
Ninety-seven percent of the alumni we surveyed who have children say it
is “likely” or “very likely” that their children will be able to attend
college. More than half have begun saving for their children’s college
education.
This is about working toward a collective goal of moving communities
forward, generation by generation. We cannot afford to lose a
generation of students who could benefit most from a college education.
To stay on track, students should explore emergency aid options and
seek out virtual study groups and online counseling. It won’t be easy,
but there are people and resources that can help students make the best
of a difficult situation — to make sure they can stay enrolled and
maintain the momentum necessary to graduate while still protecting
their health and safety.
There are few opportune times to attend college throughout a person’s
life. For those who do not enroll right after high school, life can
easily get in the way.
While it’s never too late to go to college, for many, this is their
best shot. Otherwise, what begins as a gap year or a semester of
helping their family pay the bills can turn into a lifetime of
unfulfilled opportunity.
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