The Life-Changing Effects of Free College: A mailer sent to low-income students with that promise led to a major jump in enrollment at the University of Michigan, according to a new study

Many high-achieving students from a low-income or minority background don’t think they can get in to a prestigious institution, let alone pay for it—despite the fact that many such colleges have generous financial-aid packages—so they end up not applying.

"Prestigious" is the key word here.

There are plenty of bright, high achieving students below the 60th income percentile at many public colleges- which are in fact easier to get in to- and for the vast majority of people, that is good enough.

The fact of the matter is, shoehorning poor people (and yes, at these prestigious colleges, if you aren't a millionaire you're poor) in to such an elitist environment that historically was created for the sole use of rich people in the first place does not necessarily give these poor people better opportunities than if they had simply gone to the normal state college because the cultural differences are simply too wide- that "poor" kid will be unlikely to make the same kinds of connections that rich kids can simply due to differing cultural mannerisms.

Meanwhile, there are a hell of alot more state schools than "prestigious" schools. Not only does that make it easier for them to get in in the first place, but it also allows them to go to school closer to home so that they can help their family if need be.

"poor" people should absolutely try applying to these colleges if they so desire- but don't scream discrimination when you don't get in, because the vast majority of applicants- regardless of race, culture, money or privilege- will fail to get in. That's why they're "prestgious".

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