Study reveals unexpected findings: COVID impact on MBA campuses

Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

New Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom on COVID Transmission in College Communities

In a surprising turn of events, new research conducted by Sophia Zacher ’21, Lewis Davis, and Stephen Schmidt has contradicted the prevailing belief that lower-income communities are at higher risk for COVID infections. The study, which focused on college communities, found that COVID infection rates were actually higher at wealthier schools with higher endowments per student and higher tuition.

The study, which analyzed data from 1,069 U.S. schools during the 2020-21 academic year, utilized information collected by The New York Times. Additionally, the researchers incorporated data from IPEDS, a major source of comparative information on U.S. educational institutions, including tuition rate, enrollment, and endowment per student.

The unexpected findings challenge the commonly held assumption that socioeconomic status is the primary determinant of COVID transmission rates. Instead, the study suggests that other factors may play a significant role in COVID transmission within college communities.

One interesting finding from the study revealed that more selective schools had a higher incidence of COVID illness. This counterintuitive discovery further emphasizes the need for further investigation to better understand the underlying factors contributing to these trends.

The implications of this study stretch beyond academia and into public health policies and efforts targeting COVID prevention and control in college settings. The researchers emphasize the importance of reevaluating assumptions about the relationship between wealth and COVID infection rates, particularly within educational institutions.

As the COVID pandemic continues to evolve, it is crucial to embrace a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing its spread. This study serves as a reminder that socioeconomic status alone does not wholly determine COVID transmission rates. By delving deeper into the complexities of COVID transmission in various communities, policymakers and health authorities can develop more targeted and effective strategies to combat the virus.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking research challenges long-held beliefs about the relationship between wealth and COVID transmission rates. With its implications for public health policies and efforts, it calls for a reevaluation of assumptions and a deeper understanding of the underlying factors contributing to the spread of COVID within college communities.