Student Pandemic Experience in California Higher Education
Community Engagement for College Success Network (CECSN)
Easing financial pressures and growing mental health support are critical to ensuring that students are not only able to stay in college but complete their degree and thrive afterwards.
Most students describe a difficult pandemic experience, with many taking time away, particularly those in community colleges.
Research Goals
In order to understand the experience and needs of students, a network of CA community-based organizations set out to map key priorities and probe specifically on students’ perceptions of affordability, the economy, and financial/basic needs support (or lack thereof) in public higher education in CA. Additionally, we aimed to understand the ongoing challenges faced by students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and how these might differ across the state.
Methodology
An Avalanche Listening Survey combines open and closed-ended questions. Open-ended questions provide rich data sets that allow us to analyze beliefs, values, and emotions related to an issue. Closed-ended questions provide clarity and comparability with existing research.
Sample: Students at CA Community Colleges, CA State Universities, and University of CA schools
Sample size = 900
Fielding dates: Dec. 3, 2022 - Jan. 9, 2023
Financial difficulties during and as a result of the pandemic have driven students away from their programs and more than 1 in 10 have not returned.
1 in 3
students report taking time away from school during the pandemic. Community college students are more likely than CSU and UC students to have taken time away.
1 in 10
students report pausing school during the pandemic and not returning. Community college students are among those most likely to say they have not returned.
The pandemic deterred or delayed the ability of at least a third of students who want to continue their higher education.
[Student Journey] In the last three years (since January 1, 2020), which of the following describes your experience in higher education? (Closed-ended question)
[Pandemic Specific Journey] Which of the following best describes your experience as a student in higher education in California during the pandemic? (Closed-ended question)
In their own words: Student Journey Descriptions
Theme: Balancing work and school
“I decided to withdraw permanently during the pandemic because it became overwhelming having to work and go to school during the pandemic.”
- Latine, Woman, 18-24
Theme: Need to find work, better job
“Due to covid studying online was hard. I took a vocational school to help with getting a better job.” - Latine, female, 25-40
Latine, Woman, 25-40
Theme: Family, Children, Delays
“I had a child and so my expected completion date got pushed back because I took some time off” - NH white, male, 25-40.”
- NH White, Man, 25-40
Students across all school types are most likely to say they worry about their personal finances and expenses in their day-to-day life'. Beyond affordability, students express a need for greater mental health support, as well as assistance paying for housing and food.
44%
of students face a variety of financial pressures, including tuition, balancing school & work, paying for housing, and affording food.
29%
of students report a need for greater mental health support (beyond financial assistance).
Students report a need for greater financial and mental health support
[Top Worry Open-End] When it comes to the challenges in your day-to-day life, what single thing are you most worried about? (Open-ended question)
[Top Need From University] Which of the following would be the most important thing your campus/university could do to support your ability to succeed in college? (Closed)
In their own words: Top Worries and Needs
Theme: Cost of living, gas, food
“Cost of living is high. I want to own a home by the age of 35 and that's not looking too good. Gas is high, food is at an all time high. Cost of living keeps increasing!”
- Latine, Man, 25-40
Theme: Housing, Making ends meet
“Housing security [is my key concern], especially being far from home. I worked two jobs to be make sure I was able to provide for myself. After sophomore year, majority of students are not allowed to live on campus so they must find another place to stay for the school year. Expensive.”
- Latine, Woman, 18-24
Theme: Stress, Grades, Success
“[I’m concerned about] failing exams, missing out on sleep because I tried to stay awake to study, and continually stressing myself out.”
- Black, Woman, 25-40
Most students say more financial assistance is needed and the vast majority believe that expanding the Cal Grant program would benefit themselves and their peers.
47%
of students say they would personally benefit greatly if the Cal Grant program was more generous / expanded.
57%
of students say other students would benefit greatly if the Cal Grant program was more generous / expanded.
While most students support Cal Grant expansion, community college students are among those most likely to say they would personally benefit from a more generous & expanded program.
Strategic Recommendations
1
Supporting the expansion of the Cal Grant is a key step towards improving financial insecurity for students in California universities.
2
Communicating the financial stresses for students in the context of the pandemic should include increased attention for basic needs beyond tuition, like housing, food & nutrition, and childcare for students who are parents.
3
In addition to financial insecurity, support for mental health programs is key to helping students address the stresses caused by the pandemic and establish a more sustainable plan to complete their programs and succeed.
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