* Wealthy individuals: College was expensive, and tuition fees, room and board, and books were significant barriers for most families. Only the wealthy could typically afford such expenses.
* White men: Women and people of color faced significant barriers to higher education. While some women's colleges existed, opportunities for women were far more limited than for men. Access for Black Americans was severely restricted due to segregation and limited resources.
* Individuals from certain geographic regions: College access varied geographically. The Northeast and some parts of the Midwest had more established and accessible colleges than the South or West.
* Those from families with a tradition of higher education: Families with a history of college attendance were more likely to see it as a viable and desirable path for their children. They often had the necessary networks and understanding to navigate the application process.
* Those pursuing specific professions: Certain professions, such as law, medicine, and the clergy, almost required a college education. This created a self-selecting group of students.
In short, access to higher education in the late 1800s was heavily skewed towards privileged, white males from affluent backgrounds. While exceptions existed, the vast majority of the population did not attend college.