Young adults enrolled in college often learn important life lessons at school. They have to start taking responsibility for time management and may suffer the consequences if they repeatedly sleep through their morning classes. They may start romantic relationships or learn how to network with peers who share their passions.
Sometimes, they also learn about consequences because they face accusations of breaking the law. Certain minor infractions that occur on campus may result in school discipline but not criminal charges. However, more serious offenses and incidents that occur off campus could very well lead to the involvement of law enforcement.
College students may find themselves facing criminal charges due to drug use, drunk driving and a host of other youthful mistakes. Some students plead guilty because they don’t want to miss class to go to court. However, criminal convictions can result in serious negative consequences for students currently attending college.
Enrollment issues
Many colleges and universities perform background checks when admitting students. They also have codes of conduct that prohibit criminal activity while enrolled at the institution. Schools can rescind offers of enrollment in response to criminal convictions. Other times, they may place students on academic probation which puts their enrollment at risk for any other disciplinary issues or mediocre grades.
Financial aid concerns
Most college students cannot afford enrollment without some degree of outside financial support. They may require federally-subsidized student loans or private scholarships to cover their costs. Student loans and other forms of federal aid may be unavailable temporarily after someone’s conviction. Reform has limited the lasting consequences of criminal convictions on federal financial aid eligibility. Still, private organizations that provide scholarships may perform background checks when granting or renewing scholarships. They may refuse to extend financial aid to those with criminal convictions on their record.
Housing and extracurricular penalties
Depending on the type of charges someone faces, a conviction could restrict their on-campus activities. Even if they manage to continue attending school, they may not be able to participate in sports, clubs or other social opportunities on campus, such as Greek life or study abroad opportunities. Occasionally, schools may even prevent those with criminal records from living in on-campus housing. The only way to avoid the educational consequences of a criminal conviction is to fight pending criminal charges.
College students often need support when responding to allegations of criminal activity. Parents who help young adults respond to their charges can help protect their ambitions and future opportunities.