A longitudinal study of the varying impact of educational sponsorship upon the early professional careers of male college graduates of elite and nonelite social origins suggests that attendance at high quality colleges benefits more the children of nonelite families than it does those from elite backgrounds. Family origins and colleges appear to provide two distinct routes to success among professional occupations. When resources contained in the family are sufficient for occupational success, colleges appear to have little impact upon occupational attainment. When family resources are insufficient, colleges may play an important role in subsequent occupational attainment. In either case, performance in college, the holding of high expectations, and the obtaining of an advanced degree are all important to professional success.
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