This essay synthesizes the most recent and rigorous research on student loan debt. It focuses on basic questions about who borrows, how much, and whether debt affects behaviors. Answers to these questions are necessary for informing federal student loan policymaking, yet the research findings are surprisingly mixed because of poor data quality,…

The federal government's student loan programs for higher education convey substantial financial benefits to borrowers because of their broad availability and favorable terms. Of the various provisions included in a federal student loan contract, the option to consolidate individual loans contributes greatly to a borrower's benefits and the cost…

Recent developments on the topic of Guaranteed Student Loan defaults are summarized, in light of a recent shift in the focus of default reduction efforts from loan originators to the schools themselves. Background information on recent default reports is provided, the recommendations of the Secretary of Education are discussed, and the legislative…

This report examines the Perkins Student Loan Program, and in particular, the weaknesses in the Department of Education's policies, procedures, and practices for recovering Perkins loan fund assets from schools that go out of business. The report reveals that when schools in the Perkins Student Loan Program close, the Department of Education…

An agenda for research on financial issues in graduate education is proposed for the National Commission for Student Financial Assistance, based on the stipulations of Public Law 96-374, Section 491, part (7)(A). Research needs are as follows: (1) to determine the extent to which students may be dissuaded from pursuing graduate education on…

Background and legal requirements for disclosure and counseling of students receiving loans under the federal student loan programs are discussed. A definition of loan counseling, a decision-making model for creating an institutional program, and information on loan consolidation are provided. Following introductory and background sections, the…

This analysis of higher education financing examines the need for the provision of additional funds to higher educational institutions and the availability of adequate aid funds to parents and students. It is concluded that there is no single solution to the problems associated with higher education finance that is suitable for all colleges and…

This document reflects Federal Student Aid's solid progress in meeting strategic objectives since becoming a Performance-Based Organization. Specifically, the plan addresses continuing efforts to increase program integrity, improve customer service and achieve measurable results in the management and administration of the Title IV student…

Student loan alternatives for states, educational institutions, and others who may be facing recent or anticipated reductions in federal aid are considered. Attention is focused on short-run possibilities that require relatively little or no modification of existing federal statutes. Considerations in developing loan alternatives include the…

Congressional debate over modification and reform of Title IV, Student Assistance of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is discussed. The 1965 Congressional hearings on the 1965 Act, up for reauthorization in September 1979, are expected to continue into 1980 before Congress finally approves a bill. Title IV implements the federal philosophy that no…