High-achieving university graduates from families without a history of higher education, despite their academic success, encounter disadvantages in their academic and professional journeys, according to an IZA discussion paper by Nikki Shure and Larissa Zierow.
The researchers examined data on scholarship recipients in Germany, all ranking in the top percentile nationally. Surprisingly, even these top performers from working-class backgrounds were more likely to choose universities closer to home and with lower prestige compared to their peers with college-educated parents.
The study suggests these first-generation graduates may prioritize factors beyond academic ranking, such as staying close to family or minimizing costs. Additionally, they were less likely to pursue fields with high earning potential and gravitated towards jobs with greater stability. The research also highlights a gender gap, with first-generation female graduates appearing to undervalue the professional networking opportunities offered by the scholarship program.
These findings point to hidden obstacles faced by high-achieving students from working-class families, even after gaining entry into top academic programs. Further efforts may be needed to ensure all students, regardless of background, can leverage their talents to achieve their full potential in the job market.