New York Times – Free, public education was intended to create an educated and productive workforce and narrow the gap between rich and poor. According to a study from Stanford University’s Center for Education Policy Analysis (CEPA), however, that hasn’t happened. The knowledge gap between upper-income and lower-income families has widened over the past 50 years by roughly 40%, while that between black and white students has narrowed. This is due in part to increased educational opportunities for minority students (desegregated schools, improved resources, etc.), making money the single biggest determinant in a student’s future. A separate study by the University of Michigan reveals that the growth in college completion rates according to income has also grown dramatically since the 1980s. Greater income offers students greater opportunities to participate in educational activities and materials. Research for these two studies ended in 2008, but researchers expect that the Great Recession, which extensively impacted lower-income families, has widened the gap further. For more, read Education Gap Grows Between Rich and Poor, Studies Say.