survey2020

Overview

COVID-19 Student Survey

FALL 2020 COVID-19 STUDENT SURVEY (June, 2021)

The California Student Aid Commission’s (CSAC) Fall 2020 COVID-19 Student Survey provided important new insights about the experiences of students enrolled in college during the pandemic. The survey was sent to students statewide who submitted federal and state financial aid applications and who were enrolled in college in the 2020-21 academic year across all sectors of higher education in California. Results reveal how COVID-19 has affected multiple aspects of students’ college experience including course-taking, work, living situations, financial circumstances, and their mental health and wellbeing. For full results:

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FALL 2020 COVID-19 STUDENT SURVEYS FINDINGS REPORT

Fall 2020 COVID-19 Student Survey Results
Fall 2020 COVID-19 Technical Appendix


COLLEGE UNCERTAINTIES: HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SPRING 2020 (December, 2020)

Amidst great uncertainty about their futures, we asked college-bound high school seniors from the Class of 2020 about their educational plans. In this report, we take a closer look at the survey responses from the high school Class of 2020. We investigate differences across subgroups, specifically racial/ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds of students, and explore more fully how students described—in their own words—the challenges they faced last spring and the ways in which COVID-19 may be impacting their college plans.

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COLLEGE UNCERTAINTIES: HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SPRING 2020 REPORT

College Uncertainties: California High School Seniors in Spring of 2020 Report


SPRING 2020 COVID-19 STUDENT SURVEY (July 2020)

This survey provides invaluable data and insight directly from students about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis of Spring 2020 and their views on issues related to college attendance in Summer and Fall 2020.

Spring 2020 Survey image three students at their desk

SPRING 2020 COVID-19 STUDENT SURVEYS FINDINGS REPORT

Spring 2020 COVID-19 Survey Results
Spring 2020 COVID-19 Technical Appendix
Spring 2020 COVID-19 Webinar Materials

 

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What the Students are Saying
Survey reveals increased levels of uncertainty and worry about the future

Student respondents were also given the opportunity to provide written comments in the survey, many of which provided specific examples of the struggles students had in the face of the pandemic:

  • “COVID-19 has changed my plans for college financially and emotionally. I am currently debating whether I should drop my Fall Semester classes because I need to find a full time job to help my family.”
  • “COVID-19 changed my plans for college financially, considering that my mom was working two jobs and both had to close. Now she is doing the best she can by selling “gelatinas” but is barely making enough money to put food on the table.”
  • “I am concerned about being unable to pay rent or other educational expenses. This has added a lot of stress that is distracting me from my academic goals.”
  • “The biggest challenges I face with pursuing my college degree are financial hardships. Because I am out of work, I’m uncertain on how I am going to move forward. My degree is important, but bills are not going to wait for me…I have to pay them.”
  • “…the money that I had designated for school has been going to support my family. For me to become a full time student for fall semester won’t be a possibility this year.”  

Witness the true impact COVID-19 has had on students from all over California by watching them discuss the challenges they’ve had to navigate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

California’s higher education system – and its students – represent the primary path back to prosperity and will lead our state forward. Even amid the pandemic, students remain hopeful and discuss their aspirations for the future, emphasizing how much financial aid has played a role in their college education. 

Students need our investment to succeed as well as survive, both in good times and in crisis. #CAStudentsSpeak ​

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Engage with Us on Social Media
Help us spread the word by sharing our #CAStudentsSpeak videos on social media and by telling us what financial aid has meant to you and your college success. Don't forget, financial aid is available and FAFSA/CADAA applications are open.

Tell Us What Financial Aid Has Meant to You by Tweeting Your Financial Aid Story. 

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Tell Us What Financial Aid Has Meant to You by Sharing Your Financial Aid Story on Facebook.

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Keep the conversation going. Share your story and spread the word about FAFSA/CADAA applications being open. Use the hashtag #CAStudentsSpeak and tag us on Instagram and Twitter @castudentaid and @CaStudentAid on Facebook. 

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#CAStudentsSpeak Social Media Toolkit