In the context of the recent efforts to arrive at a federal budget, articles abound in the popular media and trade publications debating both the value of Pell Grants and their rising cost to the U.S. government. Both pros and cons of the debate hold value. Pell Grants are what enable many low-income families to send their children to college and,…

Merit-based financial aid has been a growth industry in the United States over the past decade. Much media attention has focused on the use of merit aid by colleges and universities to try to attract academically talented students. In this article, the author argues that merit aid programs are the wrong tools for helping develop a skilled…

Since the early 1980s, several unions have negotiated for training and education funds paid for by the employer and administered jointly by the union and the company. However, the link between lifelong learning and productivity is more a matter of belief than a proven fact. (JOW)

Corporations are now partnering with universities to offer their employees a wider variety of programs and courses through distance education. Three models for corporate-college partnerships are as follows: (1) the classic approach (tuition reimbursement); (2) portal approach (courses available online); and (3) training approach (course tailored…

Questions are answered concerning the planning of an employer tuition aid study. Questions include: who will carry out the study, how will the information be used, how will the employers be selected, what information will be collected, how will the information be collection, and how will information be reported. (CT)

This article examines grants (Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, state grants) and work-study and loan programs. Discusses aid available to low-income and middle-income families, average amount of various types of awards, and what percentage of students is receiving financial aid. (CT)

This document outlines the University of Hawaii's tuition schedule proposal, which recommends that the Board of Regents approve rate schedules in four areas for 1998-1999 and 1999-2000: (1) full-time tuition schedule per semester; (2) continuing education and community services per-credit-hour schedule; (3) summer session per-credit-hour schedule;…

Public and private training providers deliver efficient training somewhere, but no single provider does it everywhere. While this flexibility is an advantage, the system could be improved by giving individuals and employers the means--cash grants, tax subsidies, or loans--to choose among available offerings. (SK)

The two essays in this document address the many challenges facing liberal arts colleges today. "The Threats to Liberal Arts Colleges" (Paul Neeley), holds that the most serious threat to liberal arts colleges is not ideology or technology but instead it is the marketplace. Competition within the liberal arts sector leads the best schools to spend…

This article is adapted from a memorandum prepared by the head of an independent school for the education and compensation committees of the school's board of trustees. Presented in question-and-answer format, it reflects primarily a faculty point of view. (Author/SJL)

This paper presents a proposal for a modified school choice program that may serve as a public policy compromise to the current politicized and entrenched choice or no-choice positions. The Three Year-Three Step Performance Guarantee involves both choice and vouchers. The use of vouchers, however, is not directed at reforming schools, but at…

This paper examines arguments in favor of and against the use of educational vouchers as an alternative educational system. A review of literature concludes that some problems to be addressed include religion, ethnic equity, finance allocation, and transportation. It is argued that the free market creates competition, but not equal opportunity.…

Discusses the Golden Rule Insurance Company's educational choice program which assists lower-income families in sending children to private/church schools. Identifies benefits (e.g., introduction of public school choice plan, and families' sense of control over future). Answers criticisms (e.g., destroying public school system, racial motivation,…

Among 15 conclusions and recommendations resulting from the study of Florida State funding of private postsecondary institutions are the following: (1) contracting with independent institutions for existing academic programs should continue to serve the state as a cost-effective and efficient mechanism; (2) the policies and procedures for…

Presents details of the Zelman argument in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, which challenged the Cleveland school voucher program. Argues that Cleveland's intent was not to assist private schools or advance religion, but rather to help students who were enrolled in a failing public school system. (NB)