<p>Sry, but not sure where the tangent about 'SC comes from. As an aside, 'SC has one of the highest Pell rates of top privates – good for them. UCLA also has ~33% Pell Grantees. </p>
<p>While not causal, there is a high correlation between the graduation rates (and test scores) or colleges comprised of rich kids (~50% of practically every Ivy, including Pomona, are full pay), than colleges with a bunch of poorer kids. [Note, full pay at Pomona or an Ivy typically means an income level of $175k+.]</p>
<p>But, I disagree that “we would have heard” about this issue bcos that would be blaming the victim. The Office of President and Regents know full well that poor kids have a much lower graduation rates (and test scores) than rich kids, but UC has enacted policies to continue to provide opportunities to the poorer kids to attend the state flagships. While a great public policy in my opinion, it also has negative ramifications, (which could be addressed, but that opens a whole new can of worms).</p>