Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) shares insights from a recent study on Perceptions of Higher Education in the Inland Empire, which explores local perceptions, aspirations, challenges, and opportunities related to higher education.

About the Study:

The study, conducted in partnership with regional postsecondary partners, provides valuable insights into how members of the Inland Empire community view higher education, what influences their decisions, and where there may be information gaps and misconceptions.

Key Insights:

The study reveals that 86% of Inland Empire residents believe in the value of higher education. However, opportunities remain to bridge information gaps and clarify misconceptions around cost, financial aid opportunities, and career pathways.

Findings highlight the dynamic factors influencing educational perceptions and choices:

• The Role of Family: Parents and guardians have the greatest influence on student educational decisions, with additional impact exerted by counselors, friends, and extended family.
• Financial Barriers: The perceived cost of education is a significant deterrent to enrolling in postsecondary education, revealing the need for transparent information on tuition, other expenses associated with attending college, and available financial aid resources.
  
• Financial Aid Knowledge Gap: Only half the surveyed population knows of available financial aid resources for postsecondary education, highlighting a critical area for improved outreach.
• Short-Term Needs vs. Long-Term Aspirations: Economic pressures are driving students to prioritize immediate financial needs over long-term career aspirations.
  
• Motivated by Career Prospects: The prospect of securing better-paying job opportunities is a significant motivator for pursuing higher education.
• Value of Higher Education: While most participants recognize the value of post-secondary education (86%), some express ambivalence due to its perceived cost.

Detailed Findings and Resources for Action

Recognizing the critical nature of these insights, GIA has launched several interactive web pages designed to equip educational partners, policymakers, and community members with knowledge and tools for action. These resources showcase the findings in an understandable format and provide practical tools, like editable PowerPoint templates for data presentations and interactive infographics, making the data accessible and engaging.

GIA encourages educators, policymakers, and community leaders, to explore the findings and resources. Together, we have the power to leverage these insights to bring about meaningful change for students and our community. Please visit https://inlandempiregia.org/gia-insights/ie-perception-of-higher-ed-report/.