Federal financial aid was established under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Since then, changes to the act have increased funding and expanded eligibility for students accessing federal financial aid. While the distribution of federal financial aid has expanded over the last 60 years, untapped financial resources remain every year because…

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)