Margaret and Linda Met During Their Junior Year in College

Margaret and Linda met during their junior year in college at a respected public university in Minnesota. Margaret is black and came from a lower-middle-class family. Linda is white and came from an upper-middle-class family. While Margaret's family was able to help support her while she was in school, she still had to take out some student loans to cover her expenses. Linda's family had saved a considerable amount of money for her college expenses and she graduated with no debt. After college, they both found jobs and made roughly the same income. Linda was able to purchase a car right away because she had money left over, while Margaret took the bus until she was able to save enough money for a down payment on a car. Based on statistical information, who is likely to end up with more wealth, and what would explain the difference?

A) Linda, because she had considerable financial support from her family that is likely to continue
B) Linda, because she seems able to budget her money more wisely
C) Margaret, because if she works hard enough she can make up for her previous financial situation
D) Margaret, because she is more likely to benefit from social programs that will "level" her chances with those of Linda