One measure of academic preparation, having SAT scores of 1,300 or more, differentiated full-time, first-year undergraduates with higher sticker prices from those with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities. Seventeen percent of the full-time, first-year undergraduates with higher sticker prices achieved SATs of 1,300 or more compared with 10 percent of those with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities. Another difference noted was the distribution of undergraduates by their undergraduate grade point averages (GPA). Eighteen percent of the full-time, first-year undergraduates with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities achieved a 2.00 or lower compared with 9 percent of those with higher sticker prices. Two other measures of academic preparation, the percentage of full-time, first-year undergraduates taking advanced placement tests or taking remedial classes, were not significantly different between the two groups.

The mix of academic majors chosen by full-time, first-year undergraduates differed between the two undergraduate categories. Forty-two percent of the full-time, first-year undergraduates with higher sticker prices majored in humanities, social, behavioral and life sciences compared with 32 percent of those with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities. Twenty-one percent of the full-time, first-year undergraduates with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities majored in physical sciences, engineering, computer sciences or mathematics compared with 13 percent of those with higher sticker prices.

Full-time, first-year undergraduates with higher sticker prices were also more likely to report that they often had social contact with the faculty than were those with sticker prices below $12,000 in public research universities.