Supporting Rural Students in Oregon in High School and Beyond

A Study of College Enrollment, Persistence, Transfer, and Completion Outcomes

In the past five years, the gaps between rural and nonrural high school students enrolling in college have continued to grow. To reach Oregon’s postsecondary attainment goals, the trend needs to change. This report analyzes rural college success data and concludes that, with equitable access to resources and support for rural students and their advocates, we can narrow the gap between rural and nonrural students in Oregon.

Education stakeholders in Oregon can work together to:

• Increase the focus on improving college access and success for rural high school graduates, especially for males, students of color and students in poverty.
• Help rural students broaden their college aspirations and support community college completion and transfer efforts.
• Invest in college preparatory opportunities – such as college coursework, college advising and promoting a college-going culture – for students attending rural high schools.

UPDATE AUGUST 2023

This study now includes an additional study conducted by The Ford Family Foundation and Education Northwest, “Exploring How Rural Students in Oregon Make Decisions About Education and Training after High School.”

DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS

» Full report PDF
» Summary report PDF
» Report brief: Male College Enrollment and Completion PDF
» Report brief: Latinx College Enrollment and Persistence PDF