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The country is facing an affordable housing crisis. The cost of housing, whether it be rental or for purchase, is rising quickly while inventory remains low.
See our recent blog post recapping the 2022 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, which documents the rising cost of housing across the country.
As kids return to school, students going back college will acutely feel the impact of housing costs. A recent article by Housing Matters indicates that while college enrollment has increased over the last decade, comparable on-campus housing to match this increase in students hasn’t kept pace. This has led to a rise in costs for both on- and off-campus options, leading many to experience housing insecurity and homelessness.
According to a study by The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, more than 55% of students in Texas have experienced housing insecurity, and 16% have experienced homelessness. The study also found that students of color and LGBTQ+ students were much more likely to experience housing insecurity while attending a 2- or 4-year college or university.
The impact this can have on a student’s success can be severe. Housing insecurity can cause uncertainty, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to poor academic focus and performance and may cause students to drop out of college entirely.
There is no easy solution to this problem. Building more housing is unfeasible for most colleges due to the associated costs and availability of land. That said, many resources are available to students that can help ease the financial burden caused by increasing housing costs.
Colleges across the country (like The University of North Texas and Texas A&M University San Antonio) have created resource centers that provide emergency grants, food and housing assistance to their students. In addition, organizations such as Texas Student Housing provide housing scholarships and assistance to high school and community college graduates.
Resources also exist at the federal level. Students can apply for a Pell Grant through the US Department of Education that can be put towards their education and housing needs.
Housing insecurity can have dire effects on a student’s college experience and future, but raising awareness of the resources available to assist them can have a huge impact and improve their chances for success.
Helpful Resources
Texas A&M University San Antonio
On the House blog posts are meant to provide general information on various housing-related issues, research and programs. We are not liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided by blog sources. Furthermore, this blog is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.
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