Over the last three decades, college costs have increased nearly four times faster than median family income. Financial aid has not filled the growing gap, and the share of college costs not covered by financial aid or what the family is expected to contribute has risen sharply. Rising costs and rising debt make college a riskier investment for…

America's higher education system is among the best in the world. Nevertheless, there is scope for improvement. In particular, there appear to be substantial financial barriers to higher education despite large government expenditures aimed at promoting access. Policy makers have proposed addressing these barriers by increasing student grants.…

A chronology of the tuition tax credit legislation and a series of amendments to existing federal student aid programs during the second session of the 95th Congress is presented. In each chamber of Congress legislative activity proceded along four routes: (1) authorizing legislation from the education committees (amendments to existing student…

Basic questions concerning the debate over tuition tax credits and expanded student aid and perspectives about the relationship between college costs and family income are discussed. The fundamental policy issues, rather than strictly economic issues, are the focus of attention. The most obvious challenge to existing policy has been support for…