The Complete College America Photo Library offers a unique collection of photographs showcasing the diverse experiences and campus settings of college students across the United States.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
The traditional narrative about higher education in media and public discourse has long focused on traditional, four-year residential colleges and the experiences of students in their late teens. However, recent data suggests that the reality is far more complex. More than one in four students (26%) is raising a child while pursuing their education, and roughly 40% of undergraduates are over 25. • Students are more likely to be working learners, parents, veterans, first-generation college-goers, and professionals seeking to upskill. • Research shows that today’s students attend a broad range of institutions – over 40% of students enrolled in postsecondary education attend community colleges, HBCUs enroll 10% of all Black students in the U.S., and Hispanic Serving Institutions enroll more than 65% of all Hispanic undergraduates. • The way we depict students—regardless of the medium—has to evolve beyond the outdated stereotypes of the past.
A New Visual Identity
Complete College America has launched the Complete College Photo Library, a free public collection of Creative Commons photography featuring authentic images of today’s college students. The library showcases the diverse experiences and campus settings across the country, including community colleges, HBCUs, regional universities, and workforce training programs. • The library includes nearly 1,000 curated, professional-quality images featuring a wide range of students in real college and workforce settings across the country. • All images are free and accessible for use by all through a Creative Commons license, which ensures that journalists, institutions, policymakers, funders, and advocates will have access to these materials. • The library was captured by renowned photojournalist and photographer Allison Shelley, who traveled to each campus to capture authentic students and scenes.
Institutional Partnerships
The Complete College Photo Library is the result of a collaboration between Complete College America and seven partner campuses. These institutions include Bergen Community College, College of Northern New Mexico, College of Southern Nevada, Salish Kootenai College, Pasadena City College, Tougaloo College, and the University of Indianapolis. • Colleges and universities today are shaped by the unique experiences, backgrounds, and identities of their diverse student bodies. • Serving as one of the flagship colleges in the Complete College Photo Library not only speaks to the tapestry of cultures at the participating institutions but also how those many identities enrich their community and provide visibility for their members to the entire society.
Accessing the Photo Library
The Complete College Photo Library is now available for use by media outlets, freelance journalists, education organizations, and researchers. The collection features authentic, high-quality images that reflect the diversity and experiences of today’s college students. • Visit completecollege.org/photolibrary to explore and share the library. • The library is free and accessible for use by all through a Creative Commons license.
Conclusion
The Complete College America Photo Library offers a fresh perspective on the realities of college life, challenging traditional stereotypes and providing a more complete picture of today’s students. By using these authentic images, we can work towards a more inclusive and accurate representation of higher education in media and public discourse.
“College students are more likely to be working learners, parents, veterans, first-generation college-goers, and professionals seeking to upskill, rather than the full-time, residential, straight-from-high-school archetype depicted in the majority of media and publications on higher education,” said Dr.
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