The United States has widely experimented with merit-based financial aid to make college more accessible and affordable for its youth. Varying in design and benefits, these state-run programs subsidize college costs for academically meritorious high-school graduates. While broadly linked to higher college attendance the distribution of aid…

This paper examines how colleges respond to the introduction of broad merit aid programs. Previous research has emphasized the impact of merit aid on enrollment, student choices, and post-matriculation outcomes. Yet much less is known about how state-implemented merit aid programs affect colleges' financial decisions. To explore impacts, college…

This report examines differences between undergraduates who attended postsecondary institutions in states that provide different levels of student financial aid. The report uses data from the 1995-96 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. The study evaluated how students combine aid types and sources, price of attendance, and personal…

A guide to help families estimate college costs and their eligibility for financial aid is presented. Expenses for the 1980-81 academic year are listed for more than 3,200 two-year and four-year, public, private, and proprietary institutions. The guide also outlines the types of aid available and how to apply to federal, state, local, and private…

A guide for students seeking financial aid is presented. Students are advised to begin by assessing their position: what they like to do, what sort of lifestyle they want, whether their parents agree with the career goals, and whether their goals are realistic. Factors to consider in choosing a college are noted and a list of useful publications…