College completion gap increases between rich and poor students

A new study shows the college completion gap between rich and poor students has actually doubled during the last four decades.

The percent of students earning a bachelors degree from low income families, which are those making $34,000 or less a year has risen from six to nine percent.

Meanwhile, the completion rate for students from wealthier families has climbed from forty- four percent to seventy- seven percent.

However, officials at UMES say contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessarily affordability that’s causing these gaps, rather it’s college readiness.

They say their school has developed programs in their center for academic excellence and success to combat this issue. 

The Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. James White Jr. says, “New incoming students are matched with mentors and matched with tutors. They are individuals that can help them. One of the things we would like to move to is a one on one type program where everyone can have some assistance.”