Surprising Result: Examining COVID Cases on Campus – My MBA Career

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Study Challenges Assumptions: COVID Infections Higher in Richest Schools

COVID-19 infection rates have been extensively studied during the pandemic, with many researchers indicating higher rates in poorer communities. However, a recent study conducted by Sophia Zacher ’21, Lewis Davis, and Stephen Schmidt sought to explore whether this trend also held true within college communities. Surprisingly, their findings revealed that COVID infection rates were actually higher at wealthier schools.

To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed data from 1,069 U.S. schools during the 2020-21 academic year, obtained from The New York Times. Additionally, they included data on tuition rates, enrollment, and endowment per student from IPEDS, a major source of comparative information on U.S. educational institutions.

Contrary to their initial expectations, the study found a significant correlation between higher infection rates and colleges and universities with larger endowments per student and higher tuition fees. This observation strongly suggests that a trend exists among wealthier schools, challenging the preconceived notion that COVID-19 infections are primarily concentrated in economically disadvantaged communities.

Furthermore, the study yielded another interesting finding – more illness was reported at more selective schools. This unexpected result further highlights the impact of economic factors on infection rates within college communities.

The researchers believe that these findings are crucial in understanding the factors driving COVID-19 transmission within student populations. They suggest that economic factors, such as the availability of resources for testing, contact tracing, and healthcare, could play a significant role in these disparities. Understanding these underlying reasons can aid policymakers and health authorities in implementing effective public health measures and interventions within college settings.

However, it is important to note that this study serves as a starting point, and further research is needed to delve deeper into the causes behind these findings. Future investigations should explore potential variables such as campus demographics, living conditions, and access to healthcare services to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

With this study challenging conventional assumptions, the need for tailored strategies in combatting COVID-19 within college communities becomes evident. By adapting public health measures to the specific needs and economic realities of these institutions, authorities can work towards preventing and containing outbreaks more effectively.

In conclusion, a groundbreaking study conducted by Sophia Zacher ’21, Lewis Davis, and Stephen Schmidt reveals unexpected patterns in COVID-19 infection rates within college communities. The research uncovers higher infection rates at wealthier schools, debunking the prevailing belief that poorer communities are most affected. These findings shed light on the role of economic factors in shaping infection rates and emphasize the need for further research to inform targeted interventions and public health measures in college settings.