Academic Undermatch by Socioeconomic Status

Academic undermatch occurs when students would qualify academically for admittance to a college or university that is more selective than the alternative they choose. For example, a student would be academically undermatched if their achievements permitted them to attend Harvard, but the student chose to attend a local community college or not attend college at all. Assisting students with building a well-balanced and comprehensive college list plays an important role in avoiding academic undermatch. Research shows academic undermatch as a potential source of low and stagnant college completion rates, and low-income students are more likely to undermatch. 

Download the chart below on academic undermatch by socioeconomic status:

For more information on academic undermatch, educators can log on to the Texas OnCourse Academy and look for information under Postsecondary Research > College List.