As the college application and acceptance process has become more complex and competitive, many low-income and first-generation-to-college students have been left at a distinct disadvantage.

In a new publication, Barriers to Entry, Collegiate Directions, Inc. examines eight prominent structural challenges and institutional obstacles facing low-income, first-generation-to-college students that present direct impediments to the successful attainment of a college degree: Academic Readiness, Conventional Wisdom, First-Generation status, Early Application, Demonstrated Interest, Financial Review, Scholarship Displacement, and Defining Costs.

“By themselves, any of these barriers could potentially lay waste to the best of college plans,” said CDI President and CEO Amma Felix. “However, the average CDI Scholar does not face just one of these barriers, but a disproportionate number face them all, making the task of graduating from college within six years all the more daunting.”

Using data culled from research studies and reports across multiple fields, government statistics, and its own internal numbers collected since 2005, CDI has pieced together disparate pieces information to create a clear picture of some of the key threats to college success for low-income, first-generation-to-college students that should be of use to students, parents, college counselors, government officials and anyone interested in the development of a more equitable college access and acceptance process that leads to increased graduation rates for all students.