S.3. (2026) Percentage of working-age adults from 18 to 65 years old who participate in social safety net benefit programs, by educational attainment: 2022

What is the relationship between participation in means-tested social safety net (welfare) programs and education level?

For all but two social safety net programs, the higher the education level, the lower the participation rate.

Publications

The Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the United States: 2026 Historical Trend Report
S.4. (2026) Percentage Distribution of State and Federal Prisoners, Age 25 and Over, by Highest Level of Education Completed: 2016
Indicator 1h(ii). Percentage distribution of undergraduate students by parents’ educational attainment
Indicator 2a. Percentage distribution of full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who did and did not receive Pell or other federal grants by level of institution attended
Indicator 2b. Percentage distribution of full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate federal grant recipients and nonrecipients, by control of institution attended
Indicator 2c. Percentage of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students receiving federal grants by sector
Indicator 2e. Average percentage of full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate student who were awarded federal grants by institutional selectivity
Indicator 3a(i). Average college costs (undergraduate tuition, fees, and room and board) charged for full-time students in degree-granting postsecondary institutions, by institutional level and control

Stay Connected

The Pell Institute is the first research institute to specifically examine the issues affecting educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. Learn more about the Pell Institute, including our mission, purpose, goals, and history.