Under-represented groups are receiving a significantly low amount of financial aid from state flagships. Why is this happening? Engines of Inequality shines light on the issue of 13% of financial aid from families with an income of $20,000 compared to an increase of 406% for families of $100,000. The basis of these universities should review their current policies to fix their acceptance to fit the appropriate acceptance rates for highly competitive students. Low-income students are placed in a bind when it comes to financial capabilities to pay for college.
For example, the graduation gap of minority groups and whites is increasing consistently but no one has analyzed the causes of this. We can take a deeper look into the issues under-represented students must endure in order to survive at prestigious universities. Prestige universities are turning students away at a time of growth, persistence, and change. Public schools such as these should be held accountable in supporting low-income students get an education. This practice has reduced the amount of talent the universities could receive through reasonable acceptances.
For some reason, the under-represented student body receives fewer funds than their white counter parts from $100,000 households. Why are these ‘prestigious’ universities regressing to discriminatory actions? Not to assume, but I believe this is to weed out the competition for influential families can grant their children a higher education without paying. We must analyze the Engines of Inequality’s reports to understand this new phenomenon that may harm our society’s progress in the New Economy.
Public schools must offer rigorous curriculums for under-represented students before they apply for a prestigious university. Some of the flagships have used their previous education as a sign to deny these students their financial aid. The preparation could also increase graduation rates, but we have to realize other factors that harm a low-income student at prestigious universities. For example, an African-American from a family of $20,000 or less income may experience emotional stress because he or she feels inadequate to his or her counterparts.
We must not assume, but know that this is occurring in the school settings. Without financial aid, the students are to work long hours to support themselves and their education. The flagships mentioned in the Engines of Inequality reports are placing many students in these predicaments. Students from higher-income homes do not have to worry about these issues so their grade point averages are relatively higher. Policymakers should look into the depths of their current policies to depict the best solution to ease the stress of these students.
Not only does it harm their education, but it harms their sense of self – since education is to enlighten oneself through exploration. The under-represented students are experiencing a stagnant experience because of their lack of financial aid. Public officials of the universities should address this issue in order to build the minority students’ competitiveness for their education. Engines of Inequality should be used to address the issue of financial aid decreases at public forums.
Flagships can use this report to change their current functions towards under-represented students so they can help the world. Imagine a loss of highly talented individuals because of their financial status. We, the nation and the world, may lose the opportunity to gain our global competitiveness once more.
Resources Cited Campbell, C. , (2006). Engines of Inequality: Diminishing Equity in the Nation’s Premier Public Universities. The Education Trust Press Room. Retrieved December 12, 2006 from http://www2. edtrust. org/EdTrust/Press+Room/Engines+of+Inequality. htm.