Giving Compass' Take:

· After conducting a randomized controlled trial, Open Philanthropy Project provides insight on the reasons why high-performing, low-income students do not apply to or attend selective college.

· Why are low-income students discouraged from attending selective colleges? What can be done to boost morale?

· Check out this article about high-performing, low-income students seeking higher education. 

High-achieving, low-income high school students typically do not apply to or attend selective colleges at the same rates as other high-achieving students, even though selective colleges may be cheaper than non-selective colleges for such low-income students (due to financial aid resources and scholarships). Because attending a selective college may substantially increase future earning potential—though we have not thoroughly investigated the evidence on this question— low-cost interventions which increase the likelihood of high-achieving, low-income students attending such colleges could feasibly have a very large return on investment and may increase social mobility.

We are aware of one randomized controlled trial which found that sending information on college quality and cost as well as no-paperwork application fee waivers to high-achieving, low-income students increased their rates of application and enrollment at selective colleges.

Read the full article about attending selective colleges at Open Philanthropy Project.