A Mixed-Method Study of the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on U.S. Students’ Educational Attainment

In this case study, we implemented a quantitative and sentiment analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education, physical, and mental health of college students in the United States. As students are the future workforce of society and play a significant role in the future prosperity of a country, appropriate measures should be taken to minimize the impacts of adverse events on their education and health. As compared to natural disasters, health disasters could have more psychological impacts leading to stress and anxiety, as reflected in their educational performance. This study is based on survey data from students at the University of Houston at Clear Lake. The survey consists of twenty-three questions that ask the students about their experiences during the pandemic of COVID-19. Based on the analyzed data, UHCL students’ attainment is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The average GPAs of participants show a decreasing trend from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 and mental health issues might lead to such problems as lacking behind the study. Increased levels of anxiety and nervousness are the most significant influencers on student achievement during the pandemic of COVID-19.