On his own earlier than planned, 30-year-old Yousef faces a catch-22: not enough education for stable work, not enough savings for more education.

Growing up in an economically diverse city showed Margarita, now a college junior, how place shapes financial destiny.

Without a financial safety net, one college graduate’s journey to a diploma was paved with setbacks and plenty of resolve.

After earning his master’s with honors last year, Zerui is getting by on low-wage work while he continues to apply for jobs. Still, he remains hopeful.