"Despite the recent backlash against affirmative action, racial and ethnic minorities continue to see college as the route to a better life," he said.

They see college as preparation for a lifelong career.

They are the loudest fans I have seen anywhere, college or pro.

Meeting expecations so shapes their lives that some students see college as an obligation rather than an opportunity.

Where many saw college as the answer, nearly everyone also counted on the booming economy as a way to narrow the income gap.

The public pressure on budgets comes even as more Americans see college as a necessity and a right.

Community colleges are filled with people like Ms. Farfan, who see college as the road to a new life.

When Randa Chappin started high school, she did not see college as an option.

"It became clear that young people were seeing college as an investment and that price was less important than result," he said.

At first she saw college primarily as a change of scenery, she said.