Federal student financial aid policy as it affects part-time adult students, who comprise a majority of the enrollment at community and junior colleges, is discussed. The current bias in government policy favors the traditional younger, full-time students. Government actions and legislation that bear this out are examined. (JMD)

The author asserts that current federal education policy and student aid programs effectively discriminate against older, part-time, low income students. She calls for changes aimed at achieving equity for adult, part-time learners when the Higher Education Act is considered for reauthorization. (SK)

This Congressionally requested memorandum compares the Pell Grant provisions contained in the recent new versions proposed by the Senate and House with the current program. The first section describes the program, pointing out that students' eligibility for Pell Grants and the size of their awards depend on three factors: the amount they and their…