Social Capital in College Mismatch

• In Event: Inequality and Family Life: Effects on Learning and Life Chances

Abstract

Prior research on college mismatch generally focused on the effects of financial and human capital. However, little attention has been paid to the role of social capital in college mismatch. Using data from ELS:2002, We found that students with low level of family social capital are more likely to apply to and enroll in undermatched college, and less likely to apply to and enroll in overmatched college. We further found that intergenerational alignment of educational goal is associated with both college undermatch and overmatch. Findings suggested that enhancing social capital within and outside the family may help low-SES students engage in broad college searches and find a college with better academic fit.

Authors

• Hye Won Ahn, University of Iowa

• Brian An, University of Iowa