Survey Reveals How the Ongoing Pandemic Has Affected Community College Students

Title: The Continued Impact of COVID-19 on Community College Students

Source: Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)

A new analysis of survey data by the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) finds that many community college students are still struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and certain student populations have been affected more than others. CCCSE administered a special-focus module in their annual Community College Survey of Student Engagement to 120,833 students across 273 institutions. Findings from the survey are summarized below:

• In spring 2021, 34 percent of students reported their personal finance situation was worse than it was prior to the pandemic. Non-traditional students (25 years and older) and full-time students were most likely to report their financial situation was worse.

• Among survey respondents, 23 percent reported they were struggling to pay for college as a result of the pandemic. Data from the survey shows that COVID-19 seems to have impacted the ability for students to pay for school among students of color more than white students. An additional 20 percent of students cited struggles with paying for school that were not related to the ongoing pandemic.

• Students taking classes in person reported they “strongly agreed or agreed” (59 percent) they have tried to avoid campus situations where they are unable to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet.

• Students who are enrolled full-time were more likely to report their awareness of campus services to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic (47 percent) than part-time students (43 percent).

CCCSE concludes their report by providing campus leaders with a list of critical questions to assess what support services are working and what should be changed to meet evolving student needs.

Click here to read the full report.

—Danielle Melidona