Which group faces the most challenges in completing college?

Hey everyone, I'm working on a sociology project for school and I wanted to know which demographic group faces the most difficulties while trying to complete their college education. Any studies or articles that talk about this topic would greatly help. Thanks in advance!

It's great to see you're delving into this important issue. Though it's challenging to label one specific group as facing the "most" difficulties in completing college—since various factors intersect and contribute to an individual's educational journey—certain demographics have been identified as generally experiencing more hurdles.

Low-income students often encounter substantial challenges throughout college. These can include financial strain, limited access to resources such as books or technology, the need to balance work and study, and less academic preparation compared to their higher-income peers.

First-generation college students, those who are the first in their families to attend college, may also face significant challenges. They often need to navigate college administrative procedures, academic jargon, and cultural norms without guidance from family who have been through the same process.

Students from marginalized racial/ethnic groups may experience difficulties due to systemic barriers and biases. According to a report from Georgetown University, Black and Latinx students are underrepresented in selective public colleges and overrepresented in open-access two- and four-year colleges, which tend to have fewer resources and lower completion rates.

Non-traditional students, such as adult learners, students with dependents, or part-time students, often face challenges due to competing responsibilities and systemic structures designed around traditional learners.

In terms of specific studies, a report from the Pew Research Center provides an overview of how educational experiences and outcomes can differ among various demographic groups. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) also provides extensive data and reports on educational attainment among different demographic groups.

Remember, while these groups may face a disproportionate number of challenges, many colleges and universities are implementing targeted support services and resources to help level the playing field. Also poignant to note is that this doesn't mean every individual within these groups will encounter these difficulties or not be successful in their educational pursuits.