RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Degrees of Access: The Role of Family Education in Knowledge of Applying to Graduate School
Page: 1470
Access to graduate education in the U.S. depends not only on academic ability but also on informal knowledge passed through family networks. This study surveys 519 undergraduate mathematics students across 181 institutions to examine how family education levels shape familiarity with the graduate application process. Chi-square analyses show that students from families with graduate degrees report greater awareness of key elements—such as financial aid, personal statements, and the GRE—while first-generation graduate students were less familiar and more often from lower-income backgrounds. This consistent trend reveals how inherited educational capital creates structural advantages. These findings highlight the need for early advising, transparent funding guidance, and mentorship programs to support students lacking familial experience with graduate education.