Evaluates the success of the Cornell Tradition Program, designed to encourage current undergraduate aid recipients to give back to the university after graduation. Results indicate institutional efforts can have a positive impact on the long-term giving behavior of alumni. The Input-Commitment-Environment-Output model used shows promise as a tool…

Argues that full-cost models in higher education fail to account correctly for capital and financial aid expenditures. Urges full accounting of all cost drivers that impact on higher education expenditures, e.g., operating costs, maintenance costs, physical capital costs, the current replacement value of capital stock, and the opportunity cost of…

Notes that public college tuition and student aid are evolving in ways inconsistent with either the low-tuition, low-aid or the high-tuition, high-aid approaches to financing. Argues that before deciding to revive either approach or develop a new one, higher education must develop understanding of what high-quality higher education is and what it…

It is recommended that student financial aid administrators undertake more research to improve their knowledge and control of their programs, understand the effects of policies, and help correct beliefs and attitudes. Choosing a research topic, creating credibility, and writing a complete report are discussed. (MSE)

Several national data sources available to the public can be used to examine institutional impacts of student financial aid and to compare institutional data with national averages. (Author/MSE)

Previously performed analyses of the relationship between college choice and persistence in both public and private colleges and universities illustrate the direct and indirect effects of financial factors that influence college choice and subsequent persistence decisions, and the direct effects of the actual dollar amounts of costs and financial…

It is suggested that well-designed and executed institutional research on the effects of student financial aid can help resolve ambiguities about policy and provide useful information for institutional financial planning. Models and methodologies for conducting such research using existing data sources are outlined. (Author/MSE)

Institutional researchers and student financial aid officers can collaborate to construct the longitudinal data files needed to study students persistence and recommend persistence policy. (Author/MSE)

Without an institutional research office to look at recruitment and retention programs, DePauw University (Indiana) relies heavily on institutional trend data and comparative information to assess the effectiveness of three initiatives: recruitment of large numbers of minority students, strategic use of financial aid, and use of market…

This study evaluated effects of two governmental financial aid programs to increase student access to higher education: the Florida Bright Futures Scholarships (FBFS) and the Federal Tuition Tax Credit (FHOPE). The FBFS program, similar to the Georgia HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) scholarship program, rewards academic performance…

A study used price-response measures from recent national studies to assess college and university pricing (tuition and student aid) alternatives in diverse institutional settings. It is concluded that such analyses are feasible. Analysis indicated limits to "Robin Hood" pricing patterns are predominant in private colleges. Consideration…

Argues that shifts in government policies can produce unintended consequences for needy students and the institutions they attend, and illustrates how campus units can cooperate to examine the impact of these changes through creation of longitudinal databases and data warehousing techniques. Describes the approach used and results of a study at…

A summary of 21 institutional self-studies concerning government and higher education considers the following areas: equal employment, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination; student affairs (student assistance and the Buckley Amendment); research; and safety and health. Brief excerpts from the institutional reports are presented on these issue…

Policy recommendations regarding free tuition for the City University of New York (CUNY) as proposed by the Committee for Public Higher Education, (CPHE), and a research report by Richard Rothbard, are presented. Based on Rothbard's investigation, "The Cost of Tuition: A Study of the City University of New York," CPHE recommends the…

A self-study of Findlay College, Ohio, which was prepared for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for reaccreditation purposes, is presented. After a preliminary chapter outlining the mission and goals of the college, attention is directed to: instructional programs, community programs and resources, students and student…