College of Education

Low-income students are far less likely than their peers to attend a selective university, even when they have strong academic preparation. In Michigan, just 10% of high-achieving, low-income students attend a highly selective institution, half the rate of their better-off peers. We use a two-year, large-scale, randomized trial to test the effect of targeted information and an early, four-year commitment of financial aid. The results of the first-year show large increases in the rate of application, acceptance and attendance at the state flagship. Results provide insight into low-cost methods to improve match quality among low-income students.