Low-Income Engineering Students: Considering Financial Aid and Differential Tuition

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between tuition differentials and low-income students in Engineering fields at two public, research- intensive universities. Although current reports indicate the need for increased participation within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, rising tuition prices at the university and program levels may deter low-income students to enroll and persist within STEM, specifically Engineering. The findings reveal that increased costs due to tuition differentials policies are initially offset by financial aid, but over time costs increase, particularly for low-income students. The results highlight the need for comprehen- sive, time-sensitive financial aid packages that provide students opportunities to complete their postsecondary degrees, particularly in fields with higher tuition rates.