Record Enrollment of Low-Income Students at Elite Colleges

Thu Dec 11 2025 10:41:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amidst the absence of affirmative action policies, prestigious colleges in the U.S. are setting records in enrolling low-income students, showcasing a commitment to economic diversity.

Some of America's top colleges, including Princeton and MIT, have made it a priority to enroll more low-income students, especially following the Supreme Court's ban on affirmative action. This year, Princeton's freshman class included a record number of low-income students as schools implemented strategies to reach diverse communities and provide financial support. Data shows that almost all selective colleges that released information increased their Pell-eligible student counts, marking a shift towards greater economic diversity in higher education, despite some hurdles in racial representation and scrutiny from the federal government.

In a notable shift, America’s elite colleges are ramping up their efforts to bring in more students from low-income backgrounds, responding to the recent Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action. Princeton University, among others, has documented significant increases in Pell grant-eligible students, with 25% of its new freshmen fitting the criteria.

Universities have ramped up recruiting efforts, particularly in underrepresented urban and rural areas, with many offering financial incentives such as free tuition for families earning below certain thresholds. These initiatives are motivated by the belief that fostering socioeconomic diversity is crucial for attracting a richer talent pool.

Despite this momentum, challenges remain as some colleges report declines in racial diversity, raising concerns about the balance between racial and economic representation in student bodies. Officials stress the importance of fostering both types of diversity and continue adapting their recruitment strategies to ensure inclusivity.