New Mexico initiative boosts rural students' college access and success
- Rural New Mexico has a college completion rate of only 20 percent among young adults, compared to 32 percent in urban areas.
- Students often lack exposure to college opportunities and information about available institutions, leading to lower attendance rates.
- Outreach initiatives are being implemented to encourage rural students to pursue higher education and provide them with necessary resources.
In rural New Mexico, a significant gap exists in college attendance and completion rates among young adults, with only 20 percent graduating compared to 32 percent in urban areas. This disparity is attributed to a lack of exposure to college opportunities and insufficient information about available institutions. Initiatives are being implemented to address these challenges, including college fairs and outreach programs aimed at informing students about their options. Admissions officers from various universities acknowledge that students from rural backgrounds often do not receive the same level of guidance and support as their urban counterparts. The goal is to encourage these students to consider higher education as a viable path and to help them navigate the complexities of college applications and financial aid. By fostering a culture that values education, these initiatives hope to increase the number of rural students pursuing and completing college degrees.