Skip to content

California's Community Colleges Face Alarming Basic Needs Insecurity

Two in three students struggle with reliable access to food or housing. Targeted interventions are needed to support these students and help them succeed.

It is a picture of college images,in the first image there is a woman,in the second image there are...
It is a picture of college images,in the first image there is a woman,in the second image there are some snacks, in the third image image there is a man,in the fourth image there is restaurant name,in the fifth image there is a man and woman and some food in front of them, in sixth image there is some drink,in seventh image there is food,in the the last image there is a pizza.

California's Community Colleges Face Alarming Basic Needs Insecurity

A recent survey in California's community colleges has revealed alarming rates of basic needs insecurity among students. Two in three students struggle with reliable access to food or housing, with certain groups disproportionately affected.

The survey found that 46 percent of students are food insecure and 58 percent are housing insecure. This is higher than national estimates, with 41 percent of students experiencing food insecurity and 48 percent facing housing insecurity. The situation is particularly dire for African American and Black students, older students, LGBTQ+ students, and independent students.

The correlation between basic needs insecurity and academic performance is stark. Students facing these challenges often grapple with financial and mental health concerns, which are significant barriers to completion. However, there's a glimmer of hope. In the 2025 survey, community college students reported slightly lower rates of basic needs insecurity compared to 2023. Yet, the number of students needing help remains high, with nearly three in five students experiencing some level of housing insecurity.

The high rates of food and housing insecurity among California's community college students are a pressing concern. While there's been a slight improvement since 2023, the situation remains dire. Organizations working directly on this issue in California are not clearly identified, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support these students and help them overcome these barriers to success.

Read also:

Latest