Key Findings
Survey Results

Most students face some obstacles in pursuing higher education. These challenges can be financial, academic, rooted in low aspirations or magnified by the complexities of the college admission and financial aid processes. KnowledgeWorks Foundation aims to address these issues. College Access programs create the means to prepare underserved students for college success most effectively. Factors such as early awareness of college opportunities, encouragement, mentors, academic preparation, and parental involvement meaningfully contribute to college enrollment and graduation.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 47% of high school students in low income households immediately enroll in postsecondary programs or college, compared to 82% of students in high income households. College Access activities address the needs of students who historically have been underrepresented in higher education and face greater than normal obstacles to pursuing higher education. This population includes academic minorities (African-American, Hispanic-American, and Native American students); first generation college students; low-income students; and Appalachian students.

Trends indicate that educational attainment is closely related with the economic welfare of individuals and the economic well being of the state. Jobs requiring less than a college education are quickly being eliminated; conversely, information-based and knowledge-based jobs are growing much faster than the ready supply of workers. Clearly, the demand for workers with formal postsecondary education will only increase in the foreseeable future.

Postsecondary educational initiatives that promote career development and job advancement opportunities for low-wage workers are also important. Many low-wage workers-especially those who have exited welfare-are limited to low-wage employment because of limited opportunities to enhance their skills. Without educational assistance to advance beyond entry-level employment, many low-wage workers will be relegated to a fragile economic status-just one temporary layoff or child's illness away from the breaking point. More accessible systems of postsecondary education will enable low-wage workers to upgrade their skills and increase their likelihood of career advancement to better paying jobs.

In 1998, nearly one million working Ohioans could be classified as low-wage workers. Research studies have demonstrated that increasing the educational attainment of those at the lowest rung of the wage ladder leads to greater opportunities for real wage gains. However, low-wage workers frequently face barriers such as academic anxiety, a lack of knowledge of the higher education process, and child care issues that hinder their attainment of academic credentials. Adjustments to educational systems to better address the unique needs of low-wage workers could help this educationally underserved group close Ohio's well-publicized deficit in educational attainment.

Key Findings
As in 2000, Ohio's higher education system was viewed very favorably, with 62% of survey respondents grading Ohio's public colleges and universities an A or B. In addition, respondents were optimistic about the future direction of higher education in the state, with 68% believing higher education in Ohio is on the "right track." Respondents were somewhat less aware of Ohio's two-year community colleges, but generally viewed these institutions favorably as well.

Respondents supported the idea of distance learning, offering course material to people at home in remote locations. Nearly 73% thought it would be a "good idea" to invest in expanding distance learning opportunities.

As in 2000, survey respondents believed in the importance of a college education. In the current survey, 71% felt a college education was "very important," compared with 68% in 2000. Eighty-two percent agreed that anyone can earn a college degree if so motivated, and 70% agreed a degree is important to attain worthwhile employment. However, respondents were slightly less likely to believe that the opportunity for a student to enroll in college has increased. In 2000, 60% believed the opportunity to enroll in college had increased over the last decade compared with 52% in 2001.

Respondents still far overestimate the proportion of adults in the state who have earned a college degree, although estimates in 2001 were significantly lower (thus closer to reality) than in 2000. This year, the average estimate was 40%, compared with an estimate of 48% in 2000. This is still more than double the actual proportion, according to the 2000 Census. Ohio ranks 41 out of 50 states in terms of educational attainment; of Ohioans age 25 or older, just 20.7% have earned a bachelor's degree or more. Although this is a slight increase from the 1990 Census result of 17%, other states saw more significant increases in educational attainment over the past decade.

Furthermore, as in 2000, respondents continue to overestimate the cost of higher education. The average estimate of the cost of one year's tuition at a public four-year college or university was $11,418. Although this estimate has not significantly increased since KnowledgeWorks' 2000 survey, it is still nearly double the actual average cost of tuition at many Ohio public colleges and universities. According to the Ohio Board of Regents, in 1999-2000 the average cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies was $3,369.00 per year at two-year public colleges, and $5,147.00 per year at four-year public colleges and universities. Current annual tuition and fees for selected Ohio four-year public universities is provided below:

When asked about several specific actions that might help increase college graduation rates, three options were seen as most important by survey respondents:

• Offer more scholarships and financial aid
• Lower tuition costs for four-year public universities and colleges
• Emphasize the importance of college to all students, beginning in elementary school