Working-Class Students Feel the Pinch.

The article focuses on the problems faced by working-class students in pursuing their studies in the U.S. Higher education still holds out the promise of serving as a portal to the middle class for students from low-income and working-class families. The proportion of bachelor's degrees going to working-class students has declined over the past 25 years, from about 15 percent of all BA degrees earned in 1980 to about 11 percent in 2004. The share of the degrees going to students from more affluent families has risen to 79 percent from 72 percent over that period. Working-class students are not well served. Students are essentially penalized for working long hours to pay their way through college. The price increases are taking a toll on students, who are taking on more debt than in the past. Today more than 80 percent of students have to borrow to cover their college costs. The average student-loan debt of graduating seniors has just about doubled over the last few years, from $11,343 in 1996 to $21,981. University officials believe that the higher prices may be scaring off some students from low-income and lower-middle-class families. INSET: Fixing the Student Aid Formula.