Every year, the E-rate program plays a critical role in connecting students and library patrons to the internet. Yet behind the data points and funding totals, there are stories—real-world challenges and unexpected patterns—that don’t always make the headlines.
That’s why the E-rate Applicant Survey matters so much. This annual check-in captures the voices of over 2,300 schools and libraries across all 50 states, offering an unfiltered look at what’s working—and where the program is falling short.
As we prepare for the next funding year, I want to share three powerful insights from last year’s survey. They illustrate why it’s so important to complete the survey—and how your feedback can shape the future of E-rate.
- The Small School Cybersecurity Paradox
When the FCC announced the $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program, it was seen as a step forward—an opportunity for schools to secure critical infrastructure. Yet the survey revealed a surprising pattern:
Schools with the highest poverty rates (90%+ discount) are less likely to apply for cybersecurity funding than those in the 60-80% range.
Why? The answers are in the comments: these schools often lack the staff and technical expertise to even identify their cybersecurity needs, let alone navigate a complex application process.
This is a stark reminder that complexity can become a barrier to equity. The schools most vulnerable to cyber threats are the very ones being left behind—not because they don’t care, but because they don’t have the capacity to engage.
- The “Success Penalty” Pattern
We often talk about progress as a straight line—upgrading networks, achieving faster speeds, and connecting more learners. But the survey tells a different story:
Schools that achieve faster internet speeds are more likely to report that funding is insufficient and that the E-rate process is too complex.
Success, it turns out, brings new challenges: higher costs, more complex projects, stricter reviews, and greater regulatory burden.
This paradox—where success creates additional barriers—shows that E-rate is not a “set it and forget it” program. It’s a system that needs to evolve alongside the growing and changing needs of schools and libraries. The survey is one way we can ensure that evolution happens.
- The Application Timing Trap
Another hidden insight from the survey is how timing affects perception.
Respondents surveyed 60-90 days after filing their E-rate applications were 40% more negative about the program compared to those surveyed immediately after filing.
Why? The post-filing phase—waiting for reviews, navigating PIA questions, and wondering when funding will arrive—is often the most frustrating part of the E-rate journey. The enthusiasm and optimism that come with filing quickly erode under the weight of delays and uncertainty.
This insight underscores a critical point: speed and predictability matter. Reducing complexity isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential to sustaining trust and engagement in the program.
Why Your Voice Matters
These insights—about cybersecurity access, the evolving needs of high-performing schools, and the impact of timing—would not have come to light without the survey.
Your experiences matter. Your stories matter. Your feedback has the power to shape how policymakers understand and improve the E-rate program.
That’s why I’m asking you to take 10 minutes today to complete the 2025 E-rate Applicant Survey.
By sharing your voice, you’re not just filling out a form—you’re helping ensure that E-rate continues to serve every school and library, now and in the future.
Let’s build a program that works for everyone. Together, we can make a difference.
