Income Mobility and College Success

The video explores how elite universities market themselves as engines of upward mobility, offering generous financial aid to low-income students. However, data shows that these institutions admit few students from the lowest income brackets. Economists analyzed IRS and Department of Education data to assess income mobility, revealing that while elite colleges significantly boost income for low-income students, they admit a disproportionately small number. In contrast, some colleges like Cal State LA and PACE University excel in both access and success, earning the title of 'America's Great Working-Class Colleges.'

What do elite universities often claim about their role in society?

• They focus on sports and athletics.

• They are primarily research institutions.

• They are exclusive to wealthy students.

• They act as engines of upward mobility.

Which of the following is NOT a feature of elite universities as discussed in the video?

• They offer generous financial aid to low-income students.

• They have a high percentage of low-income students.

• They have limited access for low-income students.

• They market themselves as engines of upward mobility.

What data sources did economists use to study income mobility?

• Social Security records and health data

• Census data and employment records

• Bank statements and credit scores

• IRS tax forms and Department of Education graduation data

What percentage of Harvard's class of 2013 came from the bottom 20% of the income distribution?

• 10%

• 20%

• 15%

• 4.5%

What is a significant issue with elite colleges regarding low-income students?

• They have high tuition fees.

• They do not offer financial aid.

• They admit very few low-income students.

• They have outdated facilities.

Which college is mentioned as having a high percentage of students from the bottom income rung but low success in moving them to the top?

• Harvard University

• Yale University

• Stanford University

• Moultrie Technical College

What is notable about Cal State LA's student demographics?

• It focuses on graduate programs only.

• It enrolls a large number of wealthy students.

• It enrolls many low-income students and helps them succeed.

• It has a high percentage of international students.

What percentage of PACE University's students come from the bottom income rung?

• 5%

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

What term does David Leonhardt use to describe colleges like Cal State LA and PACE University?

• Elite Colleges

• Community Colleges

• America's Great Working-Class Colleges

• Technical Institutes

What is a common characteristic of America's Great Working-Class Colleges?

• They excel in both access for low-income students and their success.

• They focus solely on online education.

• They have high tuition fees.

• They are well-known and frequently featured in media.