DOWNLOAD

Perceptions of Higher Education in the Inland Empire

Download the Document

First Name(Required)
First Name(Required)
Untitled

Overview

Perceptions of Higher Education in the Inland Empire is a mixed-methods research study exploring how students and families within the Inland Empire view postsecondary education. Through surveys of more than 700 potential students and parents, along with in-depth interviews, the study uncovers how perceptions, values, and barriers shape decisions about whether, and where, to pursue higher education.

The findings highlight the powerful role of parents, the unique needs of first-generation and Hispanic/Latinx students, and the financial realities that strongly influence college-going choices. By combining local voices with actionable insights, this study provides a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the Inland Empire as it works to strengthen college attainment and economic mobility across the region.

What You’ll Learn

  • Parental Influence – How parents shape students’ knowledge of college options, and why better information is critical to informed decision-making.
  • First-Generation Barriers – The unique challenges first-generation students face and how institutions can better support them.
  • Financial Realities – The impact of cost, financial aid, and misconceptions about affordability on enrollment decisions.
  • Two-Year vs. Four-Year Pathways – What students and parents perceive as the benefits of each, and how these perceptions affect enrollment choices.
  • Enrollment Barriers & Motivators – Why students apply but don’t enroll, and what matters most when deciding whether to complete a degree.