Administrative Burden in Higher Education: Race, Criminal Records, and Street-Level Bureaucrats in College Admissions

This study investigates how administrative burden in college admissions affects individuals with criminal records, with attention to racial disparities. Grounded in administrative burden theory and the role of street-level bureaucrats, it examines how admissions representatives respond to applicants with disclosed criminal histories. Through a correspondence audit experiment, fictitious applicants—Tyrone (presumed Black) and Christopher (presumed White)—sent inquiries to institutions of higher education (IHE) about how a criminal record might affect admissions. While most responses did not differ significantly in tone, warmth, or encouragement, Tyrone faced greater administrative burden in two key areas: Tyrone was more likely to receive a list of formal procedural requirements and to experience longer response times. These differences reflect psychological and compliance costs that disproportionately affect minoritized applicants. Findings underscore the need for targeted policy reforms that reduce discretionary barriers and promote more equitable pathways into IHEs for individuals with criminal justice involvement.