FACT: Research shows that 14% of college students nationwide—and 14% here at the City University of New York (CUNY)—experience homelessness. And more than half of CUNY students experience housing insecurity.

In 2020, 14% of college students in the country reported experiencing homelessness, and 48% reported housing insecurity. [1] Here in New York City, in a study released in March 2019, 55% of CUNY students reported experiencing housing insecurity, with 18% in the community colleges and 14% in CUNY overall having been homeless in the previous year. [2] The COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing repercussions suggest these numbers, like those nationally, have grown and will continue to escalate.

Rates of basic needs insecurity, including homelessness, are higher for former foster youth, students who have served in the military, and marginalized students, including BIPOC students and students identifying as LGBTQ.

These students work toward their future while struggling to find a place to sleep. If they received just some support at this critical juncture, they would be more likely to graduate to self-sufficiency and avoid a future of long-term homelessness.

[1] #REALCOLLEGE 2021: Basic Needs Insecurity During the Ongoing Pandemic, The Hope Center (March 2021)

[2] City University of New York #RealCollegeSurvey, The Hope Center (March 2019)

FACT: Homelessness and housing insecurity make college more difficult. These students have lower grades, are less likely to enroll full-time, and are less likely to graduate.

Research [1] shows that housing insecurity (including homelessness) is associated with lower probability of degree attainment, lower mean grade point average (GPA), a lower probability of obtaining at least a 2.0 GPA, and a higher probability of enrolling part-time as opposed to full-time.

[1] Poverty in American Higher Education: The Relationship Between Housing Insecurity and Academic Attainment, Journal of Postsecondary Student Success (2021)

FACT: Education matters! CUNY is nationally recognized as an engine of economic mobility, particularly for people of color, immigrants, and people from low-income backgrounds. A bachelor's degree more than doubles a CUNY graduate's average salary compared to New Yorkers without a degree.

A college degree is typically viewed as the key to upward mobility. CUNY, in particular, has long been seen as the "gateway to the middle class" for New Yorkers. A 2020 report by the Brookings Institution confirmed CUNY's role as the nation's leading engine of social and economic mobility. CUNY's impact has been particularly significant for people of color, immigrants, and people from low-income backgrounds.

The Center for An Urban Future reported that in New York City, residents with a Bachelor's degree earn twice as much as those with only a high school diploma ($58,076 versus $28,781). [4] Similarly, a 2021 report by NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer found that individuals with no post-secondary degree earned $33,000 compared with CUNY graduates with an Associate's degree earning $55,100 or Bachelor's degree, $65,165. [5]

Students persisting in college despite the challenges associated with homelessness demonstrate extraordinary motivation and drive to succeed. We contend that through this relatively small, relatively short-term investment, we can help them obtain the degree or credential that can lift them— and future generations of their families— out of homelessness and poverty.

[4] Opportunity Costs: Affording the True Costs of College in NYC, The Center for an Urban Future (June 2021)

[5] CUNY’s Contribution to the Economy, former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer (March 2021)

SOLUTION: Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter created NCS Scholars to provide year-round housing and support for CUNY students who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This pilot program helps students complete the degrees that can lift them—and future generations of their families—out of homelessness and poverty.

NCS launched NCS Scholars: LIC in November 2022 to address this issue. The pilot program provides:

Private bedrooms in shared suites
On-site staff, including a social worker
Support to connect residents with necessary social services and benefits, resources for mental and physical health, academic and employment support, and financial assistance
Mentoring and networking opportunities

COST: $25,000 per student (includes housing, supportive services, and emergency needs)—half of the average annual expense of staying in a NYC shelter!

We estimate the cost of this initial pilot site—providing housing and supportive services—at approximately $29,000 per student per year. This cost is significantly lower than the annual expense of an adult living in a homeless shelter, which costs over $50,000. [3]

Our goals are to prevent past histories of homelessness from determining students' futures and avert some of the dismal outcomes, including chronic homelessness, that are common for this population. In short, we aim to infuse critical support at a pivotal time, creating an opportunity for independence.

[3] Focus On: The Preliminary Budget, New York City Independent Budget Office (March 2022)

Will You Help?

Your $25,000 investment will support one CUNY student, ensuring they have the housing and support they need to complete their degree. The degree that can change the trajectory of their life...a change made possible with your investment!

www.ncsinc.org/SupportScholars | ncs@ncsinc.org | 212-537-5100

Introducing NCS Scholars