Attaining a higher education in the U.S. has long been seen as the great equalizer. "We see education as a way to level the playing field among low-income families, low-income communities and communities of color," Mark Huelsman, the report's lead author, told NBC News.
But the current education system is rife with racial and class disparities contributing to an expanding wealth gap between whites and people of color, according to the "Less Debt, More Equity" report. The study assesses the impact of public policy on the wealth gap.
"In an age where inequality is becoming maybe the biggest public policy item to deal with, it's important to note what communities are dealing with and where the wealth gains we do see are going," Huelsman told NBC.
