Expert: Rural Michigan Students Struggle with College Access

Article Summary –

College application season presents unique challenges for rural high school seniors, who are often overlooked by large state and highly selective institutions in the recruitment process. Despite a higher high school graduation rate (about 90%) compared to urban students, fewer rural students enroll in college, partly due to limited staffing, funding, and course offerings that affect their college readiness. Improving resources and expanding curriculum options in rural schools could help bridge this gap and prepare more students for higher education opportunities.

By Chrystal Blair

High school seniors often find the college application process stressful, but those from rural communities face unique challenges beyond deadlines and essays.

Experts indicate rural students encounter numerous obstacles in pursuing higher education after graduation.

Sheneka Williams, an educational administration professor at Michigan State University with expertise in rural education, highlighted that small community students are frequently overlooked during recruitment.

“Particularly big state institutions or highly selective institutions,” Williams emphasized. “They are not necessarily doing a deep dive to try and recruit the rural student.”

National data shows about one in five public school students attend rural schools. Research indicates around 90% of rural students graduate high school, compared to roughly 82% of urban students, yet fewer enroll in college.

Rural students aspiring to attend college face barriers even before applying. Limited staffing and funding in some districts restrict schools from offering a full range of classes. Williams noted these gaps impact student readiness.

“Oftentimes, rural schools don’t offer a curriculum to have what it takes to get admitted into the big state institutions or highly selective institutions,” Williams explained.

Williams emphasized enhancing resources for rural schools and broadening course offerings could help ensure more students are ready for the next educational step.