Story perspectives

Record Low-Income Enrollment at U.S. Colleges Amid Diversity Shift

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Prestigious U.S. colleges are enrolling record numbers of low-income students without affirmative action.
Princeton University reports 25% of its freshman class is Pell-eligible, up from two decades ago.
MIT and Swarthmore College show similar growth due to targeted recruitment and aid.
Racial diversity has declined on many campuses as economic diversity rises.
U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns that these practices may violate Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action.

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Story summary

Prestigious U.S. colleges are enrolling record numbers of low-income students without affirmative action.
Princeton University reports 25% of its freshman class is Pell-eligible, up from two decades ago.
MIT and Swarthmore College show similar growth due to targeted recruitment and aid.
Racial diversity has declined on many campuses as economic diversity rises.
U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns that these practices may violate Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action.