Opinion: Rural Students Deserve More Higher Ed Opportunities

Strategies like strengthening pathways and expanding affordability can improve college access for rural learners.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:08am

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Bennie L. Harris, an education leader at the University of South Carolina Upstate, argues that rural students face significant barriers to accessing and completing higher education, including financial challenges, geographic isolation, and lack of family support networks. Harris calls for a range of targeted strategies to improve college enrollment and degree attainment for rural students, who make up a disproportionately underserved population in American higher ed.

Why it matters

Improving college access and success for rural students is not just an equity issue, but also an economic one. When more rural students earn degrees, they often return to their hometowns to start businesses, work in local institutions, and strengthen their communities. Investing in rural higher ed can lead to stronger labor markets, higher civic engagement, and more resilient regional economies.

The details

National data shows that only about 29% of rural young adults (ages 18-24) are enrolled in higher education, compared to 48% of urban students and 42% of suburban students. This gap exists despite rural students graduating high school at comparable rates to their urban and suburban peers. The obstacles rural learners face include financial barriers, geographic isolation, and a lack of family or community networks that normalize college attendance. Rural students who do enroll are also more likely to attend two-year institutions or earn certificates rather than bachelor's degrees.

  • In 2026, about 29% of rural young adults (ages 18-24) were enrolled in higher education.

The players

Bennie L. Harris

An education leader at the University of South Carolina Upstate who is advocating for improved college access and success for rural students.

University of South Carolina Upstate

A regional public university located in Spartanburg, South Carolina that serves many rural communities in the surrounding area.

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What they’re saying

“Evidence suggests a combination of strategies—such as strengthening academic pathways between high school and college, expanding early college experiences, and creating more affordability—can improve rural college access.”

— Bennie L. Harris, Education Leader

What’s next

The University of South Carolina Upstate plans to continue expanding initiatives that support rural student access and success, including hybrid/online learning options, wraparound advising, and financial aid counseling.

The takeaway

Improving college opportunities for rural students is not just an equity issue, but also an economic imperative. Strategies to strengthen the rural education pipeline can help revitalize local communities by producing more graduates who choose to live and work in their hometowns.