Undermatching
![Undermatching is a phenomenon in which well-qualified low-income students do not apply to colleges they are academically qualified for, such as elite competitive colleges or state flagship universities, like Rutgers University in New Jersey; instead, they apply to less challenging schools or do not attend college at all.](/Images/godic/202502/18/UU_Rutgers_University_stairs_and_pathway_with_trees_and_buildings_College_Avenue_campus0001.JPG")
![Many low-income high-caliber students do not realize about the extent of financial aid opportunities there are in higher education, and many do not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA form.](/Images/godic/202502/18/FAFSA_screenshot_using_camera0001.jpg")
Undermatching is a phenomenon in American higher education in which well-qualified students, often from less affluent households, are not matched with competitive colleges. Undermatched students attend less-demanding colleges such as two-year colleges or don't attend college at all.