Exploring the Value of America’s Rural-Serving Colleges

Little is known about the returns rural students receive when investing in a postsecondary education. This study explores the relationship between the rurality of an institution (measured as “rural-servingness”) and the earnings of its students 10 years post-enrollment. In particular, we examine (1) the relationship between college rurality and income, (2) rurality and the likelihood that the average student will earn enough to recoup the cost of their degree, and (3) rurality and the likelihood that the average student will earn more than the average college-educated adult in their state. Our research suggests that students who attend increasingly rural-serving institutions earn slightly less on average and are less likely to achieve an earnings premium 10 years after enrollment; however, the difference is surprisingly small, particularly given the wide variation in employment opportunities in rural vs. urban areas. We assert that a college degree still reflects good value for students in rural communities, as it is highly likely that the student will achieve the minimum return while also likely benefitting from the non-monetary returns associated with pursuing higher education.