"Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification."

— Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

College Preparation

or any student, getting into college involves a lot of preparation and work—standardized tests, letters of recommendation, admissions forms, financial aid, and so on. For a disproportionate number of minority students, preparing for college could involve jumping even more hurdles.

Preparing for college is a long process that should begin as early as junior high, according to many experts. If your parents attended college, they can give you guidance on how to navigate this process—what classes to take, how to manage the barrage of tests and forms, how to pick a school, and so on.

If you are the first in your family to attend college, you might not have that kind expertise available at home.

If your parents went to college outside the U.S. and immigrated here, you may have extra obstacles. Your parents may not be able to provide the advantage that first-hand knowledge of the U.S. college application process could provide.  

Financial Barriers

The cost of going to college has been outpacing inflation, making it more expensive for everyone to attend college.

For some students from low-income families, the price seems to put a college education beyond their reach.

Such students—especially those who would be the first in their families to attend college—may need reassurances that price isn't a barrier.

Experts report the best way to overcome financial obstacles is to develop a college financing strategy well in advance. Low-income families need the most help developing that strategy.

Family Obligations

If you are from a low-income family, you may also feel pressured to choose between attending college or hitting the workforce immediately to support your families.

If you defer college to work, you can always go back to school. "Non-traditional" students—those over age 24—account for nearly half of all college students. 

There's time to fulfill family obligations and to earn a college degree. In the end, though, a college education could benefit your family by improving your chances to get a better-paying job. So weigh your options carefully.

Diversity on Campus

The best colleges and universities actively reach out to students and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds. They believe a diverse academic community contributes to the quality of a student's education.

These efforts have made a difference.

In 2002, three out of 10 college students identified themselves as belonging to a minority group. This is a big change from 1976 when only 15.4% of students enrolled in higher education were part of a minority group.

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