Students’ Perceptions of Campus Climate by Social Class Background

In this chapter, Warnock, Hurst, Barratt, and Salcedo use SERU survey data from 12 public research universities to examine the relationship between social class background and student perceptions of campus climate. The authors draw upon theories and literature of social class inequalities in higher education to frame these analyses. They found that students’ social class background is positively, significantly associated with feelings of belonging, safety, and comfort on campus. Students from lower social class backgrounds are more likely to report hostile interpersonal interactions around social class. This study reinforces past work that demonstrates how institutions of higher education can be alienating environments to working-class and low-income students. The authors conclude their chapter with policy suggestions for improving the campus climate for this often marginalized student population.