Targeting colleges with significant low-income student enrollment

Hello there, being a low-income student, it kind of seems daunting to think about college. Any suggestions of colleges where there's a relatively high proportion of low-income students? I think it'd feel more comfortable to be in such an environment where people understand my financial situation better.

There are quite a few colleges across the United States that not only prioritize diversity and inclusivity but also manage to maintain a high population of low-income students. When looking at schools with a significant amount of low-income students, private colleges often lead the way due to their large endowments, which gives them the resources to offer hefty financial aid packages. Here are a few examples:

1. Amherst College - Known for its commitment to financial aid and low-income students, Amherst often ranks within the top 5 among private colleges for the percentage of undergraduates who receive Pell grants (a good indicator of a high population of low-income students).

2. Vassar College - About a quarter of Vassar's student body receives Pell grants. The college is committed to need-blind admissions and meets the full demonstrated need of admitted students.

3. University of California System - While it's not a single institution, the UC system has a high number of low-income students across its campuses. UC Berkeley, for example, has a large population of Pell Grant recipients and offers a robust system of support for these students.

4. Pomona College - Pomona makes a point of admitting a diverse student body from all economic backgrounds. It has a significant number of low-income students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Remember to look at more than just the percentage of low-income students when choosing a college. You should also consider how supportive the college is of these students. Look for colleges that have resources like food pantries, emergency grant programs, free or low-cost textbooks, and programs to help students find affordable housing during breaks.

It's also alright to apply to schools that are not particularly known for a high concentration of low-income students. Being in a diverse environment can also provide you unique perspectives! Best of luck in your college search!