Place Matters: A Closer Look at Education Deserts

Posted by Third Way on August 20, 2019

It is a common misconception that most college-bound students travel out of state, or even across the country, to attend the institution of their choice. In fact, students are more likely to attend a two- or four-year college within just 25 miles of their home, according to a new report from Dr. Nick Hillman, associate professor of educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the think tank Third Way. This is especially true for students with low-income status because they often have the responsibility of caring for their families, being parents, working part- or full-time, and commuting from work to school and then home. These circumstances make it harder for students to balance education and family commitments.

The bottom line: The farther someone lives from a college, the less likely they are to attend.

Read more: https://www.thirdway.org/report/place-matters-a-closer-look-at-education-deserts