Is Opportunity Knocking?

This research study attempts to answer questions regarding how low-income students hear about college and financial aid information and what the impact of this information is on their college opportunity. Findings from a student survey of 11th and 12th graders in seven Southern California low-income high schools illustrate that low-income students make sense of this information within their school culture, perceptions of college affordability, and family backgrounds. Results suggest that college- and financial aid-related information as a means to create college opportunity is not having the impact it should for low-income students.