On this particular day, most students in the California State University, Chico library are silently poring over books or computers, but one group is tucked into a corner, peppering university president Stephen Perez with questions.

This mostly lighthearted mixer has a serious purpose: getting university leaders to see and support rural students. It’s part of a small but growing effort on some campuses to create a stronger sense of belonging for rural students, who drop out at higher rates than their suburban counterparts.

Today's students seem to value passion as much as practicality when it comes to preparing for a career. And they expect moderate-to-high levels of support from professors and academic advisors to help them reach their goals.

That's according to a survey of 3,000 students at 144 two- and four-year institutions. Findings also highlight students' perspectives on what career centers are doing right—and could be doing better.

Earlier this month, Joseline Leyva, 18, took part in senior night at her high school in Tyler, Texas. Dressed in a blue Army ROTC uniform, she repeated the JROTC Cadet Creed: "I am the future of the United States of America." 

But that’s not how the law sees Leyva. Brought to this country as a baby, Leyva is an undocumented immigrant. Today, Leyva and other undocumented people who came to the United States as children are seeing their ambitions thwarted amid legal uncertainty, despite public support.