2023 Food and Housing Survey: California Students Face Unprecedented Levels of Food and Housing Insecurity
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At the heart of California’s pursuit of equitable, accessible higher education is a growing crisis – rising food and housing insecurity among college students. A new survey report by the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) sheds light on findings that reveal an alarming trend:
- Over two-thirds of surveyed students face food insecurity.
- More than half are grappling with housing insecurity.
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The Food and Housing Survey and the 2018-19 SEARS both used
question modules from the USDA and US Census to determine basic
needs insecurity. The time scale for the food and housing questions
in these basic needs survey was 12 months instead of 30 days.
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The survey underscores the disproportionate impact of food and housing insecurity on lower-income students, students of color, women, parents, and adult learners. Key demographics facing heightened challenges include independent students, primary caretakers, those in community colleges or private for-profit institutions, and low-income students eligible for a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
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“It is really hard to work enough afford to live and balance being a full time student. My 24 hours are not the same as other students, who have the privilege of investing more time into their studies.” – California college student
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Urgently, California must unite to address this issue and prioritize financial aid solutions rooted in equity to ensure every student, regardless of their background, can navigate the process and access aid to fulfill their higher education aspirations.
Even with alternative funding sources such as loans, scholarships, grants, jobs, family contributions and even credit cards, students say they still face basic needs insecurities. Approximately one third of students use high-interest credit cards to cover costs.
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"We should not have to go hungry, pickup additional shifts at work, or take out loans to receive an education." – California college student
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The California Student Aid Commission sent the survey to a sample of 500,000 students who completed a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2022-23 academic year. The survey was distributed in May 2023, and 28,855 recipients responded, reflecting a response rate of 6%.
To delve deeper into the challenges faced by California's college students, read the full report here. Commission staff will also be presenting the findings from the survey during our Commission meeting on Thursday, November 30. Click here for more information.
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Last week, Federal Student Aid announced that the “Better FAFSA” will launch by December 31, 2023, allowing students and families to begin using the newly enhanced application for aid for the 2024-25 academic year. Stay tuned for further updates on the Better FAFSA and our Better CADAA by visiting our website here.
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