Who Goes to College and Who Does not Among Low Socioeconomic Status Youth in the U.S. and India?

Abstract

What factors make a difference in whether low socioeconomic status youth attend college, and how do some youth succeed despite lacking many advantages? In general, in both the U.S. and India youth who benefit from supportive relationships and information on higher education options develop clear aspirations and successfully enroll in higher education. However, India lacks official guidance and information, therefore making youth rely more on their social networks. Youth in both nations would benefit from more effective official guidance, more accessible and ubiquitous information, and a better use of existing networks to disseminate information on higher education opportunities.