It’s no secret that college has become outrageously expensive over the last few decades. In fact, in one decade alone (from 2008 to 2019), average tuition prices have risen by 35%. Over half of all students are struggling to fulfill their basic needs, such as food and housing, due to the financial pressures from their academic expenditures. Students that experience basic need insecurities are 15x more likely to fail a class and 80% of students in this situation are unable to graduate in 5 years. However, there are many resources available for students that are in need of financial assistance. The largest barrier for these students is the lack of awareness they have about what is available. 49% of students are unaware of emergency housing and 40% are unaware of housing assistance. There are many incredible benefits for students who use these funds to pay for food, transportation, and housing and universities should make their students more aware of what help is available.
Infographic by: cpe.ky.gov
