Nearly 3 years ago, a national student wellness survey found disturbing results. Nearly 3 in 5 college students lack stable access to food, shelter, and other living essentials. More than half are food insecure while over 10% have experienced homelessness.
Not only is basic needs insecurity harmful for student health, but it also endangers their academic outcomes. Those struggling to afford basic necessities are distracted from their studies, making them 15 times more likely to fail a class. Less than 20% of students in this group graduate in 5 years or less.
Securing a college degree is one of the surest paths out of poverty, yet low income people have the hardest time obtaining degrees. Colleges and universities need to do more to make emergency assistance known and available to students. Up to 49% of students don’t know about these assistance programs, and most who do know think they’re ineligible.
