What Students Need to Know About Responding to the 2020 Census  

The census is an official count of everyone living in the United States. It is a process that is undertaken every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau. An invitation to fill out the census is sent by mail. You may have received your invitation already. 

This year, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has made adjustments to the Census operations in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the American public. Here are some things for college students to keep in mind as they fill out the 2020 Census:

• Students that normally live in on-campus housing do not need to do anything. The Census Bureau is already working with colleges and universities to gather accurate numbers on students who live on-campus. 
• Students that normally live in off-campus housing or apartments can respond to the Census online, by phone, or by mail. If you live with roommates, you will be asked to provide their information such as birth dates, race, etc. 
  • Make sure you use your address, where you usually reside, while you are in school.
  • If you are not around to receive the 2020 Census in the mail, you can still respond online at www.2020census.gov.
• If you usually live with your parents during the school year, they should include you when they respond to their own 2020 Census invitation. 

It is important that you are counted where you normally live, because responses impact how federal funds, for items such as public safety, mental health services, and Pell Grants, are distributed to schools and universities.

For additional information please watch the video 2020 Census: What College Students Need to Know to Be Counted in the Right Place »

Categories: Campus Life