This exploratory study examines the factors that college students perceive are important in helping them make good financial decisions about paying for a college education. The study categorizes and summarizes students' self-reported responses to an open-ended survey question about recommendations for changes in financial aid counseling practices.…

The report describes the Kansas State University Community Service Program, which reduces student indebtedness in return for involvement in community service activities. The program is administered and coordinated by students and has four major components: (1) Community Service Teams--interdisciplinary teams of four to five students who live and…

Hearings concerning the activities of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae) are presented. Attention is focused on a request for an exemption under federal priority for recovering money owed the Association in the event that it files for liquidation or reorganization in the future under the Bankruptcy Act. It is noted that two goals…

The status of the U.S. Office of Education-sponsored National Direct Student Loan funds at 19 selected postsecondary schools was reviewed. Enabling legislation intended that schools attain a revolving fund status but each school differs in its ability to do this because different loan collection procedures are used. Legislation requires schools to…

A proposed Tuition Advance Fund is advocated as a solution to the student financial aid and loan default problem for undergraduate students in degree programs at accredited institutions. Qualifying students could borrow funds for three years and repay in the future through payroll withholding or estimated tax payments. (LBH)

Income-contingent student loans are examined in the context of an overall aid program, with an emphasis on placing realistic limits on individual debt burden while broadening loan use. A model for simulating borrowing and cumulative debt limits in different countries' educational circumstances is presented and illustrated with United States data.…

The question of a balance in the supporting roles of students and families, governments, and institutions in college financing is discussed. In the context of that analysis, the question is then whether the current student aid system is the most cost-effective and fair way of meeting national needs. (MLW)

This report discusses problems reported by lenders participating in the Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) and the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). The study examined the nature and the source of the problems experienced by the lenders, how they affected lenders, and what steps the Department of Education and Electronic Data Systems…

Default on guaranteed student loans has been increasing. The use of discriminant analysis as a technique to identify "good" v "bad" student loans based on information available from the loan application is discussed. Research to test the ability of models to such predictions is reported. (Author/MLW)

Background and legal requirements for disclosure and counseling of students receiving loans under the federal student loan programs are discussed. A definition of loan counseling, a decision-making model for creating an institutional program, and information on loan consolidation are provided. Following introductory and background sections, the…

Guidelines for loan collection staff who award/service college student loans are presented. Attention is directed to sound collection procedures, three specific loan programs, suing a defaulted borrower, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the use of credit bureaus, and student loan borrower bankruptcy. Loan collection procedures for…

Forces threatening the fundamental principles and practices of student financial aid are examined, and some advice to the profession is offered. A large dedicated profession has emerged that is skilled at bringing together students, colleges, and resources. (MLW)

Analysis of National Postsecondary Student Aid Study data for 11,000 students in loan programs at 1,400 institutions found borrowers with similar earned degrees, marital status, number of dependent children, showed similar levels of income/loan default, regardless of racial/ethnic group. Findings dispute national policy and suggest that campuses…

Issues concerning mortgage-backed student loans are examined, with attention to the new tax law, policy and practical concerns that a college should address before starting this type of loan program, public policy issues, and two types of plans. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 phases out the deductibility of consumer interest charges and as a result…

A historical perspective on the organization and administration of the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) Program is reported in this study, particularly as it relates to persisting concerns about the default rate. Chapter 1 explains the origin, purpose, and provisions of the program. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the study, including both…