One in four high school students headed for college believes the coronavirus pandemic could prompt a change in college choice, according to new results from a national online survey.
More than 7,100 high school seniors took part in the survey, which is from the consulting firm Eduventures and was administered between March 27 and April 5. Almost all respondents, 93 percent, had been admitted to at least one college or university, and remaining participants were still waiting to be accepted.
More than half of all students, 56 percent, expressed moderate or extreme concern that they would be delaying their college enrollment. But those most directly financially affected may be considering a delay at greater rates.
A third of respondents reported losing family income. Among that third of students, 64 percent believe they might delay college enrollment.
Those most likely to say their enrollment decisions may be affected are first-generation and nonwhite students, as well as those who live in counties that voted Democratic in the 2016 presidential election.
Still, students are overall about three times more concerned about missing key high school experiences than they are having to change their college plans.
Eduventures released the survey as it offers recommendations for institutions and plans a webinar on the topics today at 2 p.m. Eastern. After that webinar concludes, the full survey results will be available.
“We feel that institutions must be prepared for scenarios with increased financial pressure on families,” said Kim Reid, principal analyst for Eduventures Research and primary author of this study, in a statement. “This means moving beyond the immediate communication and yield efforts into discussions of sustainable financial aid and pricing strategies that will assist families in the difficult time ahead.”
The survey’s top-line findings are broadly consistent with previous polling by other organizations.
-- Rick Seltzer