Interpreting Rural Students’ Stories of Access to a Flagship University

Abstract

Access has been an ongoing issue for rural students. In this study, I examined factors that have been proven barriers and supports for rural students. Rural college students who were part of the TRiO program at a flagship university shared barriers and supports to access higher education. Students talked about their college journeys by telling digital stories, using computer-based tools to create narratives. On-campus resources, family support, finding a place to belong in college, and self-efficacy proved to be important access and persistence factors for students.