Scheryl Duarte, a senior at Roosevelt High School, fills out a college enrollment application at her school in Washington, Nov. 14, 2013. The schools was hosting a "sit-in" to get high school students who might not otherwise go to college to apply to college. President Barack Obama’s goal is that by 2020, America will again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. More low-income and first-generation students must get a degree to reach it. The first hurdle is getting these students to apply. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's goal is that by 2020, America will again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.
More low-income and first-generation students must get a degree to reach it. The first hurdle is getting them to apply.
Some don't even consider it because no one is at home to guide them. Cost is also a factor.
About half of high school graduates from families making below $18,300 enrolled in college in 2012 compared to about 80 percent of those whose families earned above $90,500.
One program helping students is the American Council on Education's American College Application Campaign. It's in 39 states and works with schools to focus one week a year on activities to help students with applications.
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