Pell Grant Recipients at America's "Best" Universities and Colleges

Between FY1993-94 and FY2007-08, the number of undergraduates with federal Pell Grants has increased by 38 percent. These grants are awarded to students from low and lower-middle income families.

However, at America's "best" universities and 4-year colleges (as identified by U.S. News and World Report) over half have actually reduced their enrollment of Pell Grant recipients, some by as much as 45%.
· Among the 124 "best" national universities, thirteen institutions increased their enrollment of undergraduates with Pell Grants by more than 38 percent, another 51 institutions increased their Pell enrollments but by less than 38 percent, and the remaining 60 institutions actually reduced their Pell enrollments.
· Among the 121 "best" liberal arts colleges, five increased their Pell Grant enrollments by more than 38 percent, another 45 increased their Pell numbers but by less than 38 percent, and the remaining 80 colleges reduced their Pell enrollments.

This study argues that these gated communities are dividing Americans along lines of inherited privilege and contributing directly to growing income inequality in America.

For a free copy of our report, contact Camille Stocker at Postsecondary Education OPPORTUNITY: camille@postsecondary.org. Or you can visit our website at Postsecondary Education OPPORTUNITY.