In this article, Jackson Toby discusses President Biden's proposal for free community college and substantial subsidies at public four-year colleges. Toby points out that if Biden means to require the beneficiaries to demonstrate that they have enough aptitude to graduate if they choose to study, the idea would be in the tradition of Thomas…

When Americans talk about access to a college education, they tend to narrow the acceptable boundaries of the conversation. They ask why the cost of college has gotten so out of control compared to the costs of other goods and services, and they sometimes talk about the closely related subject of financial aid. But very rarely do Americans discuss…

What higher education state policy issues will be at the forefront of discussion and legislative activity throughout the United States in 2010? Provided herein is the consensus of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) state relations and policy analysis staff, informed by continual scanning of state policy activities,…

Noting that access to higher education has expanded dramatically in the past several decades, Sara Goldrick-Rab and Kia Sorensen focus on how unmarried parents fare once they enter college. Contrary to the expectation that access to college consistently promotes family stability and economic security, the authors argue that deficiencies in current…

Describes a program that develops alternate funding sources for assistantships and fellowships by inviting nonprofit community organizations and other campus departments to use communication graduate students in their business operations. (PD)

Examines trends in financial aid funding and the impact of current funding levels. Suggests that community colleges consider local sources of financial aid funding, such as business and industry, community organizations, foundations, unions, interested citizens, and alumni. Discusses alternatives to expanded aid. (AYC)

The Detroit Compact is a comprehensive education partnership that seeks to graduate more high school students who are ready for jobs or college and to stimulate necessary changes in the school system to make the increase possible. It involves businesses, students, the community, and state and city government. (JOW)

Criticizes attrition reduction programs that focus on overcoming what students lack. Suggests shifting this focus to the problems of the institution. Looks at the influences of nonpunitive grading, student financial aid, probation, the "cooling out function," and institutional commitment to student retention. (AYC)

Describes the outcome of a National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey (NPSAS), which found that two-year students were 0.18% less likely to persist for each $100 increase in tuition, more likely to persist if they received subsidies, and 15.96% more likely to persist for every $1,000 in student loan debt outstanding. (Contains 68 references.) (PGS)

This minority report focuses on the issues of academic quality and student fees in California's community colleges. After a discussion of the relationship between fees and larger community college issues (e.g., mission, state and local control, equity, and efficiency), the question of academic quality is posed as the major issue in higher…

The head of the largest community college in the United States, Miami-Dade Community College, warns that the ebbing of need-based financial aid threatens the efforts of the poor and minorities to gain a postsecondary education. (EV)

In the face of increased demands and diminishing resources, educational administrators at correctional facilities should look beyond institutional resources and utilize the services of area community colleges. The community college has an established track record in correctional education. Besides the nationally recognized correctional programs…

In January 1984, the California State Legislature adopted Assembly Bill (AB) 1XX, which included provisions for a mandatory student fee and an appropriation for financial aid to offset that fee. This report by the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) describes the provisions of AB 1XX and the community college financial aid plan,…

Designed for use by the Board of Governors of California Community Colleges in the development of a fee contingency plan, this report presents information on student fees and charges in California and other states. In section A, student charges and their effects are examined in 10 California community college districts. Section B reviews fees and…

Examines enrollment trends among foreign college students and the financial problems faced by many. Considers the effects of the slow transfer of foreign exchange and inadequate and interrupted funds from home. Describes Manhattan Community College's (NY) financial aid programs. Discusses financial aid fraud and policies to discourage it. (DMM)