Rural students face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. Despite making up a significant portion of the country’s K-12 population — one-third of schools are designated as rural — these students are far less likely to enroll in college compared to their urban and suburban peers.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 29% of rural residents aged 18 to 24 are enrolled in higher education, a stark contrast to the 48% and 42% of those from urban and suburban areas, respectively, in the same age group. This disparity has been attributed to several factors, including geographic isolation, limited access to college-preparatory resources, and financial constraints.

A key issue these students face is the lack of nearby postsecondary institutions. The American Council on Education (ACE) reports that 13 million Americans live in “education deserts,” areas where no colleges or universities are within a reasonable commuting distance. This geographic barrier can make attending college a less viable option, particularly when coupled with the high costs associated with relocation or long-distance travel to campus.