> they maintain the opportunity for those two groups to intermingle, granting access to networks that that poorer students would be able to break into otherwise

> they maintain the opportunity for those two groups to intermingle, granting access to networks that that poorer students would be able to break into otherwise, which the rich also benefit from in the form of having known-competent individuals in their network. I went to a private school and I saw a lot of friend groups and social structures that find ways to limit those networks to “rich and competent” instead of “just competent”. Eg Fraternal organizations (bonus: also gender limited) like fraternities, finals clubs, or supper clubs with massive fees and tight cultures are one big common example. I was (embarrassingly) in such a club and there was definitely a riff between incomes (“wanna fly to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this week, we’ll only miss a few days of class?”) Obviously spring break trips or not having to work a campus job. Eg Yacht week. Also: expensive clubs with extra dues, equipment A big thing that I didn’t expect, but is something that IMO schools don’t do a good job to address is that many lower-income students just don’t understand that sort of academic world because no one taught them. Eg I met a freshman student who thought professors wanted him to fail and that there was an adversarial relationship. Furthermore, he thought office hours are when the professors shouldn’t be disturbed. Once someone just explained that professors want you to succeed and hold office hours to help you succeed, he became more successful, less stressed, and spent less time studying alone. My parents taught me all this, and my high school held office hours… but many students never learn how this world works!