Interestingly, higher education practitioners often share challenges and changes with today’s college students, but how unique are the learners in the 2029 class?
A February report published by the American Board of Education and the Institute of Higher Education at Los Angeles found that upcoming college students classes are more diverse than past courses in terms of race, sexual behavior and socioeconomic status.
According to the CIRP Freshman Survey 2024 survey, some demographic groups are unlikely to say they are confident in their academic abilities and are experiencing a mental health struggle, which highlights the ongoing demand for personal and academic development in the field of higher education.
“This report gives institutional leaders a clear understanding of today’s first-year students (their backgrounds, aspirations and challenges) so they can better support learners’ success,” Hironao Okahana, vice president and executive director of Ace’s Education Futures Lab, said in a February press release. “The student experience centered on higher education policies and practices is crucial, and these findings have helped universities create an environment in which all students can thrive.”
Methodology
The survey was conducted between April 14 and October 10, 2024 and includes data from 24,367 students in 55 universities and universities.
Demographics: More than half of respondents (50.8%) viewed it as white, but the important part was people of color, including more than one race (14.8%), Asian and Pacific Islanders (14.6%), Hispanic or Latino (11.0%), or Black and African Americans (7.7%). About 1% of respondents were American Indians or Alaskas.
Nearly 10% of the students surveyed reported that English is not their primary language, and almost half of the learners are U.S. citizens.
Most respondents said they were heterosexual (82.3%), but the next highest share was bisexual (8.5%).
Nineteen percent of respondents were classified as low-income, defined in this study as household income below $60,000. First generation students (those whose parents or guardians do not have college experience) account for 12.4% of all students and one-third of the low-income groups.
Eight percent of respondents were military-related, and these learners accounted for 3% of the low-income groups.
University preparation: Almost all students study math for three years in high school, but people from high-income backgrounds are more likely to complete advanced math courses and advanced scheduling courses.
Compared with male peers, women (66.8%) considered themselves to have strong academic abilities (75.8%), while those who showed another gender identity (72.3%) were less likely. Similarly, female students are less likely to say that they are above average intelligence than men and others.
Despite lack of self-confidence, women are more likely to earn A (78%) in high school compared to men (72%) and other gender minorities (72%). Women and non-binary students are also more likely to say that they are often challenged by the course (34.9% and 36.2% respectively).
More than half of students who study for at least six hours a week, study for six hours a week compared to their ongoing generation of peers. First-generation college students are also more likely to pay at least six hours a week, at 41.3%, compared with 38.6%.
About one-third of students socialize with friends for at least six hours a week, which is a trend in national data, suggesting that Generation Z has less time with previous generations.
Personal Struggle: Mental health problems among young people nationwide have increased, and many upcoming college students show feelings of overwhelming or frustration. Non-binary students are most likely to report feeling anxious, stressed, or frustrated, while women are more likely to share mental health problems than men.
“Men showed the greatest confidence when asked about their emotional health compared to their peers; 48.5% rated themselves as above average or top 10%,” the report said. “In comparison, only 35.2% of women and only 16.6% of students rated themselves as above average or top 10% among students outside of gender binary.”
About half of the students indicated that they had at least the opportunity to use the mental health services provided by their institutions.
Financial pressure continues to put pressure on students, with more than half (56.4%) expressing some or major concerns about paying college payments. Latinos (81.4%) and black students (69.6%) were more likely to say that this was true. 60% of Latino students, more than half of American Indians or Alaskas, half of black students use Pell grants to fund their education, and each group also relies on job research funds to pay for their education, which costs more than their peers.
But despite financial barriers, many students believe in the economic value of college education.
politics: The survey asked students for the first time whether they believe national policies and legislation are important to their university decisions. One-third of men and nearly 40% of women believe that politics and legislation are at least somewhat important in places where they go to college, while 56% of their non-bisexual peers. LGBTQ students (48%) are also more important than their peers.
The 2029 class also participated in citizen participation, with one-quarter of respondents showing that they often or occasionally out of careers and one-third of respondents publicly publicize their views on careers. LGBTQ students are more likely to agree to these statements.
Military affiliated students also reported high community engagement, such as volunteering and voting.
Throughout the United States, diversity, equity, and inclusion work has become more controversial, but respondents still show concern for social equity. Most college students believe that racial discrimination remains a major issue in the United States, and students of color are more likely to share this opinion than their white peers. Many students expressed interest in correcting social inequality and gender equality.
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