Comparing the economic experiences of rural and urban university students

Abstract

This study examines the finances of students from rural and urban regions of Newfoundland and Labrador studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland. A sample of 722 senior full-time students was selected, and 439 of these students were interviewed by telephone. Statistical analysis of the data found that the two groups were significantly different in a number of respects. The results highlight the economic and financial disparities that exist between students from rural and urban regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. The policy implications are highlighted, and reform of current student financial assistance policies is encouraged to ease the financial difficulties encountered by university students from rural regions of the province.