Low-income students fought to get to college. They shouldn’t be used for schools’ profit. (2024)

Views expressed in opinion columns are the author’s own.

No matter what your financial standing is, going to college for four years is an expensive undertaking. Even going to a public state school, such as the University of Maryland, for four years will put you out tens of thousands of dollars. While some families can put that down without even blinking an eye, for many more it can be a struggle. This is why giving substantial financial aid to students who need it is critical — especially at schools whose tuition costs far exceed that of this university.

On the face of it, these top universities seem happy to oblige. Schools such as Princeton, Yale, and Vanderbilt rank among the most generous with their financial aid packages, and top schools are eager to highlight that generosity by spotlighting stories of students who rose out of poverty and excelled at their schools. However, if you look even a little beneath the surface, you’ll see that universities still mostly serve the rich, and they actively work to put up barriers which will make it stay this way.

Many of the most expensive schools in the country like to say that they are, in fact, affordable. Georgetown “admits and enrolls students without regard to their financial circ*mstances.” Yale “meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.” Harvard bluntly says “yes — you can afford Harvard.” However, if you look at the demographics of these schools, you can see that, despite their efforts, these schools are still largely for the rich.

A 2017 study from The New York Times found that 38 U.S. universities, including five in the Ivy League, have more students from the top one percent of earners than from the bottom 60 percent, and a 2018 report from The Boston Globe found that, at Harvard, rich students outnumbered low-income students 23 to 1.

So, while it is true these universities do award a lot of aid, these numbers suggest the majority of this aid is going to a relatively small number of low-income students. This becomes problematic when the stories of the one get as much or more attention than the 23.

Elite universities, aided by national news outlets, such as CNN and The New York Times, love to highlight inspirational stories of students who climbed out of poverty and worked their way to a spot at their school. The kids who are highlighted in these stories obviously did have to work extremely hard to get where they are, and I find a lot of their stories rather touching. However, as is already established, these kinds of students are far from a majority of these schools’ populations. These stories are the exceptions — not the rule.

We want to empathize with these students, which is what both the schools and the media are ultimately banking on. They use the genuine struggles and successes of these students to emotionally manipulate us in the hopes that we forget about all the people who got in because of legacy admissions or because their parents made a huge donation. Highlighting these cases with the message that anyone could get a spot at the school regardless of social standing is at best cynical and at worst dishonest.

The underlying message of these stories is that anyone can succeed at these schools if they just work hard enough, but behind-the-scenes it seems the schools are working to ensure that isn’t the case. Recent allegations suggest the actions of these universities were not just cynical, but intentionally setting up barriers for low-income students.

Sixteen top universities, including Georgetown, Yale, Dartmouth, MIT and more, were sued by former students who allege that they colluded to limit financial aid offerings, reportedly not a new practice for these schools. Can we really believe that they want to open up their admissions to all students when they make decisions which they know will do the opposite? The schools can only claim they will meet 100 percent of need because they know how many students they can afford to admit under that policy. Artificially limiting that money pool won’t affect the people who don’t need financial aid, it only ensures the university “can’t afford” to admit as many students who do need it.

What we have here is a case where the schools’ actions directly contradict their words. They know that they are perceived as elitist; that’s why they go so far out of their way to market their affordability and to boost the stories of those who don’t fit the stereotypes of one of their students. However, when behind-the-scenes they are working to make sure those stories are few and far-between, it is ultimately as empty a gesture at diversity as getting one of your few minority students to pose in all of your pictures.

So, to all the top universities, I beg of you to stop flaunting your generosity until you make some real efforts at class diversity and attempt to change the system you have benefitted from for decades.

Adam Cullen is a junior government and politics major. He can be reached at acullen@umd.edu.

Low-income students fought to get to college. They shouldn’t be used for schools’ profit. (2024)

FAQs

Low-income students fought to get to college. They shouldn’t be used for schools’ profit.? ›

For-profit schools have been accused of fraud, abuse, and predatory practices targeting the poor, veterans and minorities by offering expensive degrees that often fail to deliver promised skills and jobs.

What are some of the reasons that students should avoid for-profit colleges? ›

For-profit schools have been accused of fraud, abuse, and predatory practices targeting the poor, veterans and minorities by offering expensive degrees that often fail to deliver promised skills and jobs.

What problems do low income students face in college? ›

Low income students struggle to have basic necessities like food and housing. Low income students find themselves skipping meals or reducing food intake altogether to save money. Some college kids rely on staying at school over breaks. It may be too expensive to go back home, or there may be no home to go back to.

Why is it important for low income students to go to college? ›

By getting a college degree, an individual can increase their chances by 53% of moving from the bottom 20% in family income to the middle 20% in family income. Individuals with only a high school diploma make about $17,500 less per year than their college degree counterparts.

How does low income affect students in school? ›

A student living in poverty will typically attend underfunded schools with fewer resources for students who are struggling or showing signs of learning disabilities. They might also have trouble getting their homework done, due to a lack of resources at home, or a safe, quiet place to study.

Should you avoid for-profit colleges? ›

Is a Degree From a For-Profit School Worth It? No. A for-profit degree does not pay off in most cases. With low graduation rates and high student debt, for-profit schools often represent a poor investment.

What is the disadvantage of for-profit schools? ›

Some disadvantages of for-profit colleges include:
  • Low completion rate.
  • High price.
  • Negative reputation.
Oct 13, 2020

What do you think are the 3 biggest money mistakes that college students make and why? ›

Lack of budgeting. Buying something based on impulse. Excessive credit card use. Low savings and having no emergency funds.

What is the biggest problem college students face? ›

Common Issues for College Students.
  • Social anxiety, general anxiety, test anxiety, or panic attacks.
  • Family expectations or problems.
  • Depression, lack of energy or motivation, hopelessness, being overwhelmed, low self-esteem, homesickness, loneliness.

What problems do low-income people have? ›

In addition to lasting effects of childhood poverty, adults living in poverty are at a higher risk of adverse health effects from obesity, smoking, substance use, and chronic stress. Finally, older adults with lower incomes experience higher rates of disability and mortality.

Are low-income students less likely to attend college? ›

Students from Low-Income Households Less Likely to Attend Selective Schools – More than two-thirds of students whose families are in the lowest quintile of income attend two-year institutions or less. Just four percent of such students attend highly competitive four-year institutions.

Are low-income students less likely to go to college? ›

Among high school graduates in California, those from low-income families are only about half as likely to enroll in a four-year college as their higher income peers (Johnson and Cuellar Mejia 2020b).

Why do low-income high achieving students not apply to top universities? ›

Low-income students often do not apply to these more selective schools because they are uncertain about whether they are suitable for an elite school; because they overestimate how much college is going to cost them; and because parts of the process — such as filling out financial aid forms — present large procedural ...

What do low-income families struggle with? ›

More than half of California households with incomes below $50,000 had difficulty paying for basic expenses such as food, housing, and medical costs in March and April.

Does income level affect education? ›

Research indicates that the level of education is strongly related to both income and wealth.

How does poverty lead to poor education? ›

Poverty and education are inextricably linked, because people living in poverty may stop going to school so they can work, which leaves them without literacy and numeracy skills they need to further their careers.

What are the pros and cons of for-profit? ›

The establishment of a for-profit business has some clear advantages: self-employment and financial rewards proportional to success. It is not without disadvantages, however, such as financial liability and obligation to investors and creditors. It pays to examine both sides of the coin before you make the jump.

Why would someone go to a for-profit college? ›

For-profit colleges usually offer career-oriented training programs. They often deliver programs in an online format. These programs can be a good educational option for individuals with busy schedules who are returning to school or seeking career advancement.

Which students are the most likely to attend for-profit colleges? ›

  • Student Characteristics. Students at for-profits are disproportionately older, African American, and female, and are more likely to be single parents.
  • Students at for-profits are less likely to have graduated from high school. ...
  • Source: NCES.

Are for-profit schools easier to get into? ›

Higher acceptance rates

The open admissions policy that most for-profit colleges adopt makes it easier for all applicants to get accepted. In most cases, the only requirement is that applicants have a high school diploma or GED certification.

What are for-profit colleges and what are the drawbacks of for-profit colleges? ›

For-profit colleges have been criticized for deceptive marketing, aggressive recruiting, targeting low-income students and veterans for the federal tuition money they're eligible for, pushing private loans for the tuition not covered by federal loans, offering poor-quality programs, low graduation rates, and for ...

Do schools make a profit? ›

Where Do Colleges Get Their Money? Colleges and universities can make money from a number of sources, including endowments, gifts, tuition and fees, athletics, and grants. Schools can also make money by charging fees for international enrollment.

What is the biggest mistakes college students make? ›

Common academic mistakes college students make
  • Skipping the reading. ...
  • Taking on way too much. ...
  • Sticking to what you know. ...
  • Trying to work in a distracting environment. ...
  • Memorizing without understanding. ...
  • Procrastinating until crunch time. ...
  • Skipping sleep. ...
  • Ignoring expenses.
May 2, 2022

Why rich students get more financial aid than poor ones? ›

Colleges want wealthier students

“Better prepared students, higher graduation rates and a better chance of attracting students who will later give back to the college — that's the reward system that's in place,” says Van Der Werf, adding that there's no similar reward system for helping low-income students.

How is college a waste of time and money? ›

College may be a waste of time and money for some individuals who are looking to establish their own businesses or become new-collar workers. Besides wasting resources, college is also not the most viable option for those who cannot afford a degree and need to make money right after high school.

What is the #1 problem on college campuses? ›

Across all students in our study, the most common explanation (52% of all student-reported causes) about why mental health is the most important problem on campus is academic rigor — the “pressure” of academics.

What are the major issues in college education? ›

These include enrollment declines, rising costs and student debt, emerging college alternatives, and political interference. Historically, higher education has weathered crises and disruptions, but this time feels different.

What is the main cause of low-income? ›

A range of factors including rising living costs, low pay, lack of work, and inadequate social security benefits together mean some people do not have enough resources.

What are social issues in low-income communities? ›

Poverty causes stressors such as insecurity and uncertainty about food, housing, and income. Low-income communities tend to have specific characterizations such as limited resources, poor houses, high crime and violence rates, and an inadequate school system, which are all associated with poor mental health outcomes.

Who is most likely to be low-income? ›

They face discrimination and limited work or advancement opportunities, and the effects of generational poverty, all which make it more likely they will live in poverty.
  1. Single recent mothers.
  2. The unemployed. ...
  3. Americans with a disability. ...
  4. American Indian and Alaska Natives. ...
  5. Adults with less than a high school diploma. ...
Oct 10, 2018

How many students Cannot go to college because of money? ›

38% of College Students Drop Out Because of Finances – How to Lower That Number. The benefits of getting a college degree are sound.

Do colleges look at student income? ›

In summary, the short answer is income can affect college admissions. Being a full pay student can benefit you based on the school and their available funds. That's not to say that you should go to a school that you and your parents can't afford and that's going to put you in incredible debt.

What is the main reason people don't go to college? ›

Many of those who didn't enroll or complete degrees say college was too expensive — but they also cite stress and career uncertainty, new research finds.

Are students from lower income households more likely to drop out? ›

Dropout rates of 16 to 24-years-old students who come from low income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher incomes. A higher percentage of young adults (31%) without a high school diploma live in poverty, compared to the 24% of young people who finished high school.

What will happen if less people go to college? ›

People without college educations also are less likely to vote than people with them, according to the Census Bureau; half as likely to volunteer, the College Board says; and more likely to divorce, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics; almost half of married couples with less education split up, compared to 30 ...

What happens if less people attend college? ›

Fewer college graduates could worsen labor shortages in fields from health care to information technology. For those who forgo college, it usually means lower lifetime earnings — 75 percent less compared with those who get bachelor's degrees, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.

Why do low income students struggle in college? ›

Low income students struggle to have basic necessities like food and housing. Low income students find themselves skipping meals or reducing food intake altogether to save money. Some college kids rely on staying at school over breaks. It may be too expensive to go back home, or there may be no home to go back to.

Why should low income students go to college? ›

By getting a college degree, an individual can increase their chances by 53% of moving from the bottom 20% in family income to the middle 20% in family income. Individuals with only a high school diploma make about $17,500 less per year than their college degree counterparts.

What challenges do low income students face in school? ›

Children from low-income families often do not receive the stimulation and do not learn the social skills required to prepare them for school. Typical problems are parental inconsistency (with regard to daily routines and parenting), frequent changes of primary caregivers, lack of supervision and poor role modelling.

Does low income mean poor? ›

The term “low income” generally describes individuals and families whose annual income is less than 130-150% of the federal poverty income level.

How low income families affect child development? ›

Growing up in poverty increases the physical and emotional stress in a child's life. Lack of economic resources within a family increases a child's vulnerability to exploitation, including child labor and trafficking.

How many people struggle with low income? ›

There are 37.9 million Americans living in poverty, accounting for 11.6% of the total population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

How can schools help students in poverty? ›

Instruction and curriculum
  1. Consistent opportunities to work on grade appropriate assignments.
  2. Strong instruction that lets the students do most of the thinking.
  3. Students experience a deep sense of engagement in what they are learning.
  4. Teachers believe that their students can meet grade-level standards.

How does low income affect academic performance? ›

These factors often place more stress on a student, which can negatively impact the student's ability to succeed in a school. Students living in poverty often have fewer resources at home to complete homework, study, or engage in activities that helps equip them for success during the school day.

What is income inequality in education? ›

It means that the earnings gap between the educated workers and non-educated workers has been still widening. In addition, studies show that educated workers have been laid off or unemployed less than non-educated workers.

What are 3 ways poverty affects education? ›

Poverty-related factors that intervene in students' ability to learn include health and well-being, limited literacy and language development, access to material resources, and level of mobility.

Does education play a role in poverty? ›

Education helps to remedy many of the other issues that can keep people, families, and even whole communities vulnerable to the cycle of poverty. At its core, a quality education supports a child's developing social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills.

How to combat poverty? ›

These include:
  1. Quality education. Education provides children with the knowledge and life skills to realize their full potential. ...
  2. Access to Health care. Access to health care is essential. ...
  3. Water & sanitation. Water and sanitation are also essential for every child's survival. ...
  4. Economic security. ...
  5. Child participation.

Why are for-profit med schools bad? ›

Although for-profit and not-for-profit medical schools must adhere to the same accreditation standards, according to the NPR article, for-profit schools lack the same degree of transparency as their non-profit counterparts particularly in the areas of disclosing business models and reporting where tuition funds truly ...

What are the disadvantages of private colleges? ›

Fewer majors and course offerings is a disadvantage of private universities. Students have limited choices for their course of study, and may have none at all if they have plans for graduate school. Many private universities offer baccalaureate programs in a few majors.

What for-profit schools defrauded students? ›

The four institutions include DeVry University, which is based in Illinois, but has 40 locations in 18 states; Westwood College, based in Colorado, which closed in 2016; ITT Nursing, based in Indiana, which filed for bankruptcy in 2016; and the Minnesota School of Business/Globe University, which closed in 2017.

What are the disadvantages of profit method? ›

The gross profit method is not an acceptable method for determining the year-end inventory balance, since it only estimates what the ending inventory balance may be. It is not sufficiently precise to be reliable for audited financial statements.

What are the disadvantages of profit? ›

Disadvantages of Economic Profit

While economic profit is an excellent way to measure a company's success, it is not an accurate and complete measure of a company's profitability. It does not include all important financial aspects and transactions that may occur during a given time frame.

What is the disadvantage of using profitability? ›

One disadvantage of using a profitability index is that it does not necessarily measure the value of a business. It only shows the company's ability to generate profits from investments. It can sometimes indicate bad management techniques. One example of this is continually investing in unprofitable ventures.

Why are for-profit colleges expensive? ›

Tuition is higher at these institutions, he said, because they typically don't have large endowments as private universities do, and they don't receive the same amount of public funding from states.

What are the pros and cons of a private college? ›

Pros And Cons Of Attending Private Colleges
  • Pro: Academics Above All Else.
  • Pro: Close-Knit Community.
  • Pro: Favorable Class Sizes.
  • Pro: Financial Aid Packages.
  • Cons: Cost.
  • Con: Lack of Diversity.
  • Con: Limited Majors.
Dec 22, 2022

What are the pros and cons of a public college? ›

There are several advantages to attending a public university, including:
  • Affordability. ...
  • Campus life. ...
  • Degree programs. ...
  • Higher costs depending on your state of residence. ...
  • Bigger class sizes. ...
  • Less diversity. ...
  • Higher level of prestige.
  • More chances to meet people from across the world.
Jun 24, 2022

What are 3 disadvantages of college? ›

Before attending college, make sure you consider the following drawbacks:
  • You Likely Will Graduate With Student Loan Debt. ...
  • High-Paying Jobs Aren't Guaranteed. ...
  • It Can Take More Than Four Years to Graduate.
Jun 21, 2022

What percentage of student debt is from for-profit schools? ›

As of 2021, 23% of borrowers under 40 who attended for-profit schools were behind on their student loan payments compared to 11% of public school graduates and 7% of graduates from private non-profit schools.

Who profits from student loans? ›

Federal student loans are owned by the U.S. Department of Education while private student loans are owned by the financial institution that granted them. Learn more how who owns student loans and how to find out who owns your student loan.

What schools were defrauded students? ›

The U.S. Department of Education is canceling $415 million in federal student loan debt for 16,000 borrowers who were defrauded by their schools. The schools include DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute, Westwood College and Minnesota School of Business/Globe University.

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