| Social stratification theorists have found selective colleges and universities to be invaluable institutions for the transmission of upward social mobility for mainstream America. However, minimal data exist to support this conclusion for Americans of color. Does graduating from a top college offer the same social and fiscal benefits to American blacks as it does for American whites? Using a combination of research methods, this study looked at a sample of American blacks who graduated from a leading liberal arts college between 1991 and 2000. A 23-item questionnaire was mailed to 91 American black college graduates provided by the alumni office. Thirty-eight responded to the mailed survey. In addition, follow-up, open ended, tape recorded, in depth interviews were conducted with 23 of the 38 survey respondents. The results showed that the American black middle class strongly favors, subscribes to, and takes advantage of selective post-secondary education. In sum, this social group valued their educational experience for its stability, competition, professionalism, and social diversity. One implication of these findings is that top colleges may fail to serve American blacks from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. |
