Final answer:
Class stratification in higher education is influenced by prohibitive costs, admissions processes favoring those with educational advantages, and potential systemic biases that inadvertently favor the wealthy. Educational choices that lead to upward mobility tend to be more accessible to students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, perpetuating the stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons for class stratification in higher education primarily involve the cost of top universities, the admissions process that favors those with educational advantages, and potential biases in admissions boards. The cost of attending prestigious institutions is often prohibitive, which can exclude talented students from lower economic backgrounds. Additionally, the admissions process can favor applicants who have had access to more resources and preparatory experiences, such as advanced coursework, test prep services, and extracurricular activities, which are more accessible for affluent families. Although it is illegal for admissions boards to actively discriminate based on socioeconomic status, there are systemic issues that inadvertently favor the wealthy. For example, wealthier students might receive more guidance on the application process and better access to merit-based resources like tutors.
Furthermore, education is a primary vehicle for upward social mobility, so students often choose courses they believe will be most advantageous in advancing on the social ladder. However, these advantages tend to be more easily accessed by students from higher socioeconomic classes. Therefore, despite public schools theoretically providing universal access and equitable opportunities, in practice, there is a notable divide in educational attainment linked to family income and background, as well as resources available to affluent versus less affluent school districts.