Media Relations Update

August 10, 2020
As the world faces a changing political, economic, and social landscape, ALZA Strategies is committed to keeping you in the loop on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting public affairs. We hope you remain healthy and safe during these trying times.
College & COVID-19: Current and incoming students worry about the pandemic’s effect on their education
College students nationwide experienced academic disruption as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. A COVID-19 Student Survey was conducted by the California Student Aid Commission in partnership with the California Education Lab at the UC Davis School of Education. It found that concerns over how to pay for school tuition, living expenses, and basic needs worry most college students and graduating high school seniors. They are also experiencing significant stress over how the pandemic will impact their enrollment plans going forward.
Credit: CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION COVID-19 Student Survey, by California Student Aid Comission and California Education Lab at the UC Davis School of Education
- July 2020
90% of students responding to the survey expressed concern about the shift to online classes. When asked about any changes to income or living situation, 71% of students reported that they lost some or all of their income and 46% said their living situation changed. While California colleges offered emergency aid to students affected by the crisis, a small percentage of students received this support. 
Credit: CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION COVID-19 Student Survey, by California Student Aid Comission and California Education Lab at the UC Davis School of Education
- July 2020
The pandemic has changed many students’ plans going forward, with many indicating that they have altered when and where they will enroll. The good news is that only 2.4% said they do not plan to attend college in Fall 2020. Among Class of 2020 graduating high school seniors, 9% said that they planned to delay college enrollment while 33% expressed concern about attending a college far from home. 
Percentage of College Students
Credit: CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION COVID-19 Student Survey, by California Student Aid Comission and California Education Lab at the UC Davis School of Education
- July 2020
Percent of Entering College Students
Credit: CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION COVID-19 Student Survey, by California Student Aid Comission and California Education Lab at the UC Davis School of Education
- July 2020
Both current and incoming college students expressed concern about their finances and health after the onset of the pandemic. Both groups reported significant upticks in worries about paying for tuition and fees, paying for housing and food, taking classes full-time, and their own personal health. 
Roger Salazar, President
rsalazar@alzamedia.com | (916) 284-1255

Hilary McLean, Partner
hilary@alzamedia.com | (916) 203-7274