In a study conducted between September and October 2009, the Center for Community Alternatives and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers discovered that, out of 273 United States colleges surveyed, 66 percent collected criminal-background checks on applying students. The study notes that not all colleges use them in their admissions decision-making process. While 38 percent of interviewed colleges didn't collect criminal-background information, the schools are noted as being as safe as schools that do collect the records. Key study findings report that private and four-year colleges are the most likely to collect criminal records.
The specific offense and circumstances on the criminal record usually play a larger role than the presence of a record itself. For example, crimes involving sex, drugs and violence often present the greatest concern. The center and association's study notes that less than half of schools collecting such data have written policy regarding its use, with 40 percent training employees in dealing with the criminal records during admissions. Some colleges let youthful offender adjudications and misdemeanor offenses negatively impact an applicant's admission chances.
Federal financial aid -- like student loans -- helps a lot of college students pay for their education. Those with drug offenses on their criminal record face possible ineligibility, depending on the circumstances. Federal and state charges in the sale or possession of drugs restrict eligibility if the offense occurred after your 18th birthday and it's still on your criminal record.
The center and association's study shows that two-year colleges like city and community colleges show less likelihood of collecting a criminal record. Also, public colleges collect them less than their private counterparts.