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Researchers used data from 12,000 adolescents surveyed in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Youth to explore the association between distance to a university campus and attainment of university entry (including enrolment in an elite university), as well as critical predicators of these outcomes in access to information resources such as outreach programs.
There was an even split between male and female adolescents surveyed, with 27% from provincial or rural backgrounds. 2% of adolescents were Indigenous.
The researchers found that children who lived close to a university were 12 percentage points more likely to aspire to university; 63% versus 51%. This effect was larger for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
For children who aspired to go to university at age 15, those who grew up close to a university were eight percentage points more likely to go to university by age 19 than those who did not; 50% versus 42%.
Of those who went to university, those with a Group of Eight university in proximity when they were 15 were 13 percentage points more likely to go to a Group of Eight university than those that did not; 34% versus 21%.
Dr Philip Parker, Lead Researcher, ACU, said the findings would prove interesting for university administrators as they suggest that distance affects aspirations well before young people have to cope with university fees, rent, and relocation. He said this indicates that there may need to be more than scholarships and bursaries to assist rural and remote youth to attend university.
“Our research shows that distance exerts an influence on students’ choice beyond socioeconomic background and academic ability. It also suggests that close relationship to community and strong family ties need to be accounted for in assisting rural and remote youth in accessing university.”
Dr Parker said the role that distance plays in university access is complex, however, helping youth remain connected to their community throughout the academic year may help promote uptake in university degrees for rural and remote youth.
“This is a challenge for both governments and universities and requires innovative solutions,” he said.
(Source: Australian Catholic University)
