Computes rates of return to education in Singapore for 1980-1994, using the cost-benefit approach. Rates of return varied with education level. Although remaining higher than return rates for secondary education, those for tertiary education were declining. Polytechnic education enjoys the highest social/private return rates. (Contains 40…

Affordability--the ability of students and other funders to contribute to the support of colleges and universities--is a topic of increasing salience. In this Resource Review, we examine the affordability of college from two perspectives: from that of students and their families, and from that of the state. We also identify many references to…

A common set of economic pressures has led the various sectors of higher education to adopt entrepreneurial models of financing and service.

The strong urgings of family, economists and educators have been heard: Students in record numbers have picked up the challenge of higher education and are headed for college. And leading the march through the college gates have been young men and women sometimes notable by their absence--Black, Hispanic and American Indian, and students from…

Notes that President Clinton's final budget provides $94 billion of tax relief for American families. Discusses the education tax credit, including the Hope Scholarship and Pell Grant awards; children's health insurance coverage, aimed primarily at low-income children; the child tax credit, aimed at working families; and the capital gains tax cut,…

The Massachusetts college tuition prepayment program has been praised by many as helping families pay for college, but a few elite institutions have not joined, saying the program does not fit their financial aid policies and philosophies. Supporters feel the program could be even stronger if they joined. The plan differs from most state plans by…

Causes of the emerging perception among middle-income students that their educational opportunities are being restricted are discussed, and potential solutions are offered, including controlling college costs, encouraging saving, and borrowing. The role of information and of values and priorities in helping middle-income families pay for college…

Analysis of the family contributions of 2,544 dependent first-time college students at 396 institutions revealed that, although many parents contribute more than anticipated, many inequities among income groups persist, regardless of college cost level. Policy alternatives to reduce inequities are discussed. (Author/MSE)

This brief statement offers 10 questions for consideration by American Dental Association (ADA) officials and others concerned with the burdensome indebtedness graduates often incur for their dental education. Questions ask for assessments in such areas as school operating costs, tuition, school support, loan forgiveness, and how the ADA can help…

The parents of college students at a large state university in the Midwest were surveyed to analyze the parents' perspective on college financing. Results offered insight into what parents think and know about college financing and point to ways parents can be better informed about the college financial aid process. (Author/MLW)

Parents are covering less of their children's college costs than ever before, according to a recent study. On average, parents contributed 55% in 1997-98, down from 69% in 1986-87; during the same period, college costs increased 38%. Reasons include decreased family savings, higher consumer debt, incomes not keeping up with inflation, and…

Examines the financial situation of college students in the United Kingdom during the last years of the old higher education system. Examination included income levels and sources, and the total teaching cost per student and per graduate. The implications of this data within the new, developing system of higher education funding are discussed.…

Reports on a $1 billion dollar grant from Bill and Melinda Gates to send 20,000 low-income minority students to college. The Gates Millenium Scholars Program will require students to demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in college. A list of the largest private gifts to higher education since 1967 is also provided. (DB)

This article examines the characteristics of low-income undergraduates and how they pay for college. It examines their financial need, describes the contribution of financial aid, and presents what is known about how they close the gap between their costs and the amount of aid they receive. (JM)

Discusses how, as more countries have instituted or increased tuition, student loans have spread. But the programs are a flop in much of the world, raising fears that many low-income people will be shut out of higher education. (EV)