Higher education has long been a key driver of economic prosperity and social mobility in the United States. American universities have provided countless students with the opportunity to pursue their dreams, develop their talents, and improve their economic standing. However, for some of the very groups who need it most—especially Black students—these opportunities are becoming more limited.
Part of the issue stems from the fact that many students of color come from underfunded high schools, which offer fewer educational resources, advanced courses, and extracurricular programs. These students also often lack access to adequate college counseling, making it more difficult to navigate the complex higher education landscape. A recent study from The Century Foundation underscores how systemic segregation, exacerbated by the 1974 Milliken v. Bradley decision, has worsened these disparities. Students of color are often confined to under-resourced schools, which limits their ability to compete for admission at top universities. This unequal start in education restricts their access to higher education and, by extension, the economic mobility that higher education traditionally provides.
Marvin Krislov
Fixing this issue requires a national effort to address the systemic inequalities in K-12 education. We need policies that improve school funding, offer advanced courses to all students regardless of district, and ensure that college counseling is available to every student. Only then can we guarantee that all students are prepared for college success and able to access the life-changing opportunities that higher education offers.
At the same time, we are witnessing a concerning trend: fewer students are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is essential for accessing financial aid. Students who do not fill out the FAFSA miss out on crucial funding that could make higher education affordable for them.
This problem is not just about paperwork; it’s about equity.
One solution to this issue is working to simplify and improve the FAFSA process, a goal that the U.S. Department of Education has embraced. In a letter to FAFSA partners, the Department highlighted its efforts to completely overhaul the financial aid system, transforming what had been an outdated and cumbersome process into a more streamlined, accessible system. The Department has worked with college counselors, advisors, and other partners to help students navigate the FAFSA application. These reforms are beginning to close the FAFSA completion gap, and as of early September, 500,000 more students are eligible for Pell Grants than at the same time last year.
However, more work needs to be done. Simplifying the FAFSA process even further and increasing awareness about the importance of completing the application are critical steps if we want to ensure that financial barriers do not worsen the inequality in access to higher education. As noted by the Department of Education, the next steps include improving the user experience for students and families, enhancing transparency, and providing additional outreach to those most in need. These efforts will be key in making sure that all students have the opportunity to pursue a college education, regardless of their financial background.
