The Gap Between Family Income and Graduation Rates

Kaylee M. Gatto

Abstract

Family income has determined to have a significant effect on graduation rates for students. A family’s income can impact many aspects of a student’s life. There has been numerous studies performed on the effect that family income has on student’s graduation rates. This thesis focuses on the hypothesis that students who come from families with higher income are more likely to succeed and graduate than those from lower income families. This thesis focuses on how family income effects these students and in what ways. This thesis shows the differences that high income and low income students face. The findings performed in this thesis have shown that family income in fact does have a significant effect on graduation rates. Findings also have shown that race plays a role in graduation rates as well. This thesis will go into greater detail on graduation rates based on family income and race.