This brochure contains suggestions for individuals repaying student loans on how they might benefit from Direct Loans, a program which consolidates multiple loans into a single account and offers favorable repayment terms, convenience, financial flexibility, and competitive interest rates. The brochure contains information on factors to be…

This report presents findings of a national survey on the use of credit cards by college students. A computer-assisted telephone survey of a stratified random sample resulted in a total of 750 completed surveys. Following a chart summarizing selected earlier studies, the report presents the major findings of this survey: (1) credit card use is a…

Advantages of locally-funded, short-term, small, emergency student loans for both institutions and students are outlined, and its increasing importance as a form of aid is noted. A list of questions for financial aid administrators to consider before making such a loan to a student is provided. (MSE)

The development of Georgetown University's program to help dental students manage their financial affairs is described. The program, using the general economic profile of the student body on which the school's financial aid policy is based, is an effort to address the increased level of indebtedness of its students. (MSE)

It is more important than ever for colleges and universities to manage the resources they have and guard against unnecessary loss. Student bad debt is one loss that can be resolved. A study identified certain predictors of student bad debt, including academic indicators and student characteristics, and offers suggestions to institutions for…

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its five staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by Commissioners…

This study examines the debt of 1992-93 bachelor's degree recipients in light of their financial circumstances in 1997, approximately 4 years after they earned their degrees. First, it reviews the amount they borrowed as undergraduates, including amounts borrowed through student loan programs, from parents, and from other private sources. It also…

A regional survey of 1,442 student loan borrowers currently in repayment (nondefaulting, high debt/low income nondefaulters, and prior defaulters) investigated attitudes toward student loan debt. Results revealed those with greater debt perceive it as more burdensome, but debt level has little impact on consumption patterns. (Author/MSE)

Outlines an approach to better collection of delinquent college tuition that connects students with outstanding tuition to lenders. Suggests criteria for selecting an appropriate lender, and highlights benefits both for student motivation to repay debts and for institutional cash flow. (MSE)

This survey concludes that, overall, student debt has not caused most borrowers to make lifestyles changes nor regret their educational investment. Discussion analyzes borrower debt levels; payment-to-income and debt-to-income ratios; noneducation debt burden; student perceptions about borrowing and debt; effect of borrowing on decision making;…

Arguing that the benefits from borrowing abroad exceed the costs recently imposed on countries through debt-servicing difficulties, this paper defines debt as an engine of growth, forcing the borrower to produce goods efficiently, export them, and function competitively in the international market. Debt-servicing difficulties of developing nations…

As guidelines for residential financing, the authors compare different approaches to understanding and figuring the costs of home ownership: the relation of income to house price and housing costs, interest rate, and mortgage term. Instead of the traditional method, they recommend the time value of money approach. (MF)

Fiscal year 1995 marks the first year during which an independent audit was conducted of the U.S. Department of Education's financial statements. This first annual accountability report describes the department's history, current mission, priorities, and progress. It highlights the department's program and fiscal accomplishments and describes…

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has undertaken a number of initiatives for the 6-month period ending September 30, 1996, to help Education Department managers identify and address issues whose successful resolution is critical to the department's fiscal and management integrity. This semiannual report highlights those activities, which are…

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…