Who are Vulnerable among College Students?

What is it about?

Based on a sample of college students at a public university in the U.S., this study found that regarding funding sources for education, college students can be categorized to four types: parental dependent, scholarship dependent, loan dependent, and self-dependent. Among these types, self-dependents and loan dependents are the most vulnerable both financially and academically. These students tend to work more hours during the academic year and summer and have more financial responsibilities.

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Photo by Sam Balye on Unsplash

Photo by Sam Balye on Unsplash

Why is it important?

According to experts of human development, financial independence is one of hallmarks of becoming an adult. However, based on the evidence of this study, young adults in college are in the transitioning period and a high level of financial independence may indicate a vulnerability status. Policy makers and educators may pay special attention to college students who rely on mainly their work income and savings or student loans to support their education and provide special assistances for them. This article is free of charge from the publisher’s website.