HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is home to the lowest percentage of people ages 25 and older who have earned a bachelor’s degree at 16.5 percent.
Although West Virginia ranks last in the U.S. Census Bureau’s findings, many at Marshall University are trying change the standings.
“I think cultural issues and strong ties to one’s community create a divide in those people who want to go to school and those who actually attend college,” Stan Maynard, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education and Human Services, said.
Although some might consider the odds against West Virginians, Maynard said Marshall works against barriers for students.
The Two Plus Two degree program is an option for students who don’t want to travel during the first two years of college. Maynard said it gives students an opportunity to adapt to college life closer to home by attending a community college for two years and then finishing the last two years at a four-year university.
“This way students won’t be intimidated of the idea of going to college,” Maynard said.
Advancements in technology, such as WebCT and online classes, also have been indicative for students who would rather spend time at home earning a college degree.
Because advance placement and honors classes often are absent in rural high schools, students get to college and can’t deal with the pressure of college classes, Maynard said.
As a remedy, UNI 101 classes are required for freshmen. The class is a part of Marshall retention efforts, which includes making sure new students know support center locations and establishing student and adviser relationships.
Programs aimed at low-income, first generation college students, such as Upward Bound, also serve as a retention measure in certain counties in West Virginia. Marshall’s graduation rate during a six-year period is 48 percent and is increasing because of financial aid, Frances Hensley, associate vice president of academic affairs, said.
“There are many challenges for a student in college, and trying to maintain a job while keeping grades up is one of the hardest,” Hensley said.
Besides the rural factor, West Virginia’s senior citizen population accounts for 15.3 percent of the state while only 12.4 percent account for the Unites States entirely, according the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau also reports the average age of West Virginians is 40.7 years old, compared to the United States average of 36.4 years old.
“Many West Virginians grew up in a time when a college degree wasn’t emphasized,” Maynard said. “This is a large reason West Virginia lacks higher education.”