Numerous studies have examined the effects of race, gender, and economic status on the potential for success in higher education. But a new study by looks at a previously ignored group: students who grew up in foster care.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy seeks to use the study to help university and high school administration implement policies to help these students deal with problems unique to their situation. The acceptance and graduation rates for students who grew up in foster care is significantly lower than those raised in traditional homes, so there seems to be a great need for this study:

The rates of college attendance and degree completion are dramatically lower for foster youth compared to their peers: a rate of college attendance of 20 percent compared to 60 percent, and a rate of degree completion of 5 percent or less compared to 20 percent.

These low rates are caused in part by the weak academic preparation of even those who graduate from high school and the lack of high expectations for college attendance by those responsible for the care and education of foster youth. These youth also are often not aware of the college opportunities available to them, and they do not have the practical knowledge and skills to successfully navigate the College application process. Foster youth
are disproportionately low-income, and there often is not enough financial aid available to them to pay the cost of college or they do not connect with available aid. These youth also often perceive the cost of college as a more insurmountable barrier than it is in fact.

You can read the complete study and policy recommendations here.