Poverty Gap Impacts College Success

The postsecondary landscape is colored by unfortunate disparities between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Graduates from higher-income high schools consistently outperform their peers from lower-income schools on a range of higher education attainment measures. These gaps are particularly pronounced when comparing graduates from low- and high-poverty high schools. The latest High School Benchmarks report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reveals notable disparities between these two student groups. 

The annual High School Benchmarks reports track college enrollment, persistence, and degree completion rates. Academic leaders can disaggregate data by poverty, income, minority levels, and urbanicity. This post highlights disparities between low- and high-poverty high school graduates, where more than 75% of the student body qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. 

Students from Low-Poverty High Schools are More Likely to Enroll in Higher Education Immediately 

The report reveals a significant disparity between graduates from low and high-poverty high schools in the percentage of students who enroll in higher education in the fall immediately after they graduate from high school. While 73 percent of students from low-poverty high schools promptly enroll in college, 51 percent of students from high-poverty high schools do the same. This substantial gap underscores the socioeconomic barriers many students from disadvantaged backgrounds face in accessing higher education. 

…And Continue to Their Second Year of Higher Education  

According to the report, over 90 percent of students from low-poverty high schools who enrolled in college continue on to their second year, compared to only 76 percent from high-poverty high schools. This disparity underscores the challenges students from disadvantaged backgrounds may encounter inside or outside the classroom that can inhibit their academic pursuits after entering college.  

…And, Most Notably, Earn a Degree within Six Years 

The six-year completion rates for 2017 high school graduates from low- and high-poverty high schools differ by a staggering 34 percentage points. Close to 60 percent of graduates from low-poverty high schools earn a degree within six years, compared to 25 percent of high-poverty high schools. Earning a degree is beneficial, and often provides a pathway out of poverty. It can lead to higher-paying jobs, better career opportunities, and increased financial stability. The stark contrast in the graduation rates illustrates that education access continues to be an item of concern for students throughout the postsecondary journey.  

Closing the Divide  

While students from high-poverty high schools have made encouraging gains in higher education, these statistics show a significant disparity. Work remains to close the gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. By leveraging the Research Center’s reports, academic leaders can measure and benchmark performance to prepare learners for success more effectively.

Additional Resources:

• Read the High School Benchmarks Report 

• Visit the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center