Students from rural communities who want to attend college face unique challenges in their pursuit of higher education, a study from the University of Georgia finds.

Conducted by Darris R. Means, an assistant professor in the university's College of Education, the study included interviews with African-American students and staff members in a rural southeastern high school regarding their views of college and college access. While many students had parents who pushed them to go to college, that encouragement was tempered by a lack of resources. For instance, students felt they did not have access to academically rigorous classes or enough time with counselors who could help with the college admission process. They also felt constrained by pressure to attend a school closer to home for family reasons or felt out of place on campuses that lacked diversity. The study also found that in addition to geographic location, race plays a role in whether a student matriculates.

"There are several implications for this study. First, colleges and universities, especially the most selective institutions in a state, have an opportunity to think about ways to recruit students from rural communities and enhance programs and services to retain rural students," said Means. "Second, educational leaders and state policy makers must consider how resource allocations affect rural students of color and their educational experiences."