Low-income, first-generation college students graduate at lower rates compared to more affluent students, according to a study released Saturday.
Eleven percent of low-income, first-generation students earn a bachelor's degee, compared to 55 percent of affluent students who complete their undergraduate studies, according to Jennifer Engle, a senior research analyst for the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education, a research institute that compiles higher-education statistics.
The research analyzed a study that followed students from 1996 to 2001.
The Federal TRIO Programs, a set of government educational outreach programs, define low-income households of four as those earning less than $31,800 a year. First-generation college students are defined as individuals with parents who have not earned a bachelor's degree or any higher diploma.
More than half of all low-income, first-generation students attend public two-year trade schools, and 43 percent drop out before attaining either an associate or bachelor's degree. Six percent enter private four-year schools.
Engle's research shows that the cost of education is one major deterrent to students. Ninety-four percent of low-income, first-generation students, whose yearly average income is $12,141, need additional financial help after receiving government grants. The average income for an affluent student's household is $70,461.
Both low-income, first-generation students and affluent students have the highest rates of earning bachelor's degrees, if they have part-time jobs that require under 20 hours of work a week, according to the study.
"The general consensus is that [a part-time job] helps students organize their time to have this commitment," Engle said. "The benefits are even greater if they work on campus ... or in internships that relate to their major."
Engle said strengthening college preparation through educational programs, increasing financial aid, easing the transition into college through mentoring and orientation programs, and encouraging involvement with campus organiztions could help graduation rates for low-income, first generation students.
The United States is one of the highest-ranked nations in college participation but is in the bottom half for degree completion, according to the study.
