Nearly one in five high school students say a college’s health and wellness programs have a significant impact on where they will apply, according to a new survey by the Partnership for a Healthier America, a nonprofit that aims to combat childhood obesity.
The October survey revealed that 51 percent of female high school students planning to attend college consider access to healthy food on campus at least very important when contemplating which school to attend.
It also indicated that one in four students (23 percent) believe that access to cooking and fitness classes, as well as wellness-education opportunities, is an essential factor when determining where to apply.
“From academics to campus culture to cost, high school students have a lot to consider when applying to college,” PHA CEO Lawrence A. Soler said in a statement. “We are pleased, but not surprised, to see health and wellness ranking as one of students’ priorities.”