For people pursuing certain professions, a college education is all but mandatory. Many young adults plan to go to college to network and learn about the world even if they don’t yet have a specific career in mind.
Unfortunately, a lot can occur during college that can put a student at risk of never finishing their degree. For example, many college students experiment with drugs or alcohol. They may also get into intense relationships with peers or romantic partners that might lead to altercations. College students may end up accused of crimes ranging from drug possession and drunk driving to assault.
How might criminal matters effect higher education opportunities?
Endangering enrollment
The more prestigious a college is, the more likely the institution is to have strict student conduct requirements. Colleges and universities have rules against criminal convictions while enrolled. Students may be at risk of disciplinary hearings at the college in addition to the penalties they face for the criminal conviction itself. Educational institutions might expel students due to criminal convictions.
Causing financial aid headaches
Federal student aid used to be very difficult to obtain after a criminal conviction. Thankfully, reform has improved access to financial aid for those with criminal records. However, those serving a sentence of incarceration may lose their financial aid. Additionally, many students rely on private financial aid such as scholarships to pay for their tuition. Private organizations often have rules allowing them to end scholarships for those with convictions. Applicants seeking out new financial aid opportunities are often subject to background checks, and a criminal record might make them ineligible.
Dealing with a criminal record
The whole point of college is to help young adults become competitive on the job market. If they exit college with a degree but also a criminal record, they may find themselves fighting an uphill battle for even entry-level job opportunities. Employers often look at criminal records and may decline to hire or promote those who have even minor misdemeanors on their record. Parents reeling from the news that a student recently got arrested may think that tough love is the right solution. However, students left to their own devices might make short-sighted decisions with long-term consequences.
Helping a college student defend against criminal allegations is often better than letting them handle the matter on their own. Parents who support college students after they make mistakes can help them learn from their errors and rebuild their lives afterward.
