Discusses developments in the financing of legal education, such as sharp tuition increases, program expenditure increases, reduction in state support, and increased student borrowing and debt. Explores actions that law schools are taking or might consider to counter their negative impact. (EV)

In light of recent policy debate concerning higher education financing in Britain, reprints this article proposing a graduate tax, with a new introduction. Discusses main arguments in favor of the tax (it would eliminate the subsidy of the meritocratic elite, provide more funds for education, be a more efficient and egalitarian form of finance,…

Discusses key issues surrounding state higher education tuition prepayment plans, including the inability of state legislatures to raise future tuition levels, the risks incurred by states, and overall equity concerns. One problem: the program seems targeted for middle and upper classes and traditional college-age students. Examines alternative…

Examines differences among undergraduates who attended postsecondary education in states that provide different levels of state student financial aid. Describes aid types and sources, the price of college attendance, and personal characteristics of students. Also considers undergraduates' probability of attending institutions in high-aid or…

Attaining a post-secondary credential has become increasingly important for securing opportunities to get high-return jobs in the United States in the 21st century. Students from low-income families are underrepresented at every milestone in the educational pipeline, limiting their ability to attain post-secondary credentials and break the…

In 1991 the U.S. Department of Justice sued nine colleges and universities, alleging that they had restrained competition by making collective financial aid determinations for students accepted to more than one of these schools. Against the backdrop of this litigation, Congress enacted a temporary exemption from antitrust laws for higher education…

This report presents findings on the role of tuition in financing higher education and as payment by students and parents. The content is organized into 11 chapters grouped into six parts. Part 1 is an enrollment profile of students who opt to attend college. Topics covered include starting conditions, such as student academic skills, family…

Various recent trends within Illinois higher education have raised concerns that the goals of "The Illinois Commitment," the state's higher education plan, may be at risk. In response to these concerns, a Committee on Affordability was established in August 2002 to conduct a comprehensive and objective analysis of these trends to assess…

As part of a review of functions and administrative processes, the Illinois Board of Higher Education commissioned a comprehensive evaluation of higher education grant programs. The evaluation focused on the goals defined in the policy document, "The Illinois Commitment," and the extent to which the grant programs are contributing to the…

This report examines the literature on practices and programs seeking to improve students' transition from adult education to postsecondary education. Ultimately, the report seeks to provide practitioners with models for effective strategies in transitioning students to postsecondary education that can be implemented at community colleges…

This study investigated the differences between demographic, enrollment, academic, and self-directed learning characteristics of completers and noncompleters in online courses at one community college. The study also obtained students' self-reported reasons for not completing their coursework. No significant differences were found in the…

Student success in college has never been more important. The economic advantage to baccalaureate degree holders remains substantial, with college graduates averaging a million dollars more in lifetime earnings than high school graduates. There is also the long list of non-pecuniary benefits of college--intellectual development and critical…

This study examines the global trend in shifting university costs from national governments to individual students and families, with a specific focus on the existing cost-sharing model in Australian higher education. The research examines the manner in which the availability of income-contingent loans (through the Higher Education Contribution…

The Maryland Higher Education Commission funded the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to review the state's financial aid programs and to make recommendations for improvement. To determine how to improve the content, delivery, and administration of financial aid in Maryland, AIR conducted a number of activities, including a literature review,…

In November 1999, the U.S. Department of Education began offering a 0.25% interest rate reduction to borrowers under the Direct Loan program who agree to have their monthly loan payments automatically withdrawn from a bank account through its electronic debit account (EDA) program. The Department of Education submitted a justification to the…