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.…

This collection of charts is intended to be used by participants in the tuition discounting study to interpret and present institutional results vis-a-vis comparative peer groups. The three peer groups included in the study are: small colleges, lower tuition; small colleges, higher tuition; and large colleges and universities. The document is…

Tables, graphs, and text summarize the most recent statistics available on financial aid available to students in postsecondary education including virtually all federal aid and the vast majority of state and institutional assistance. It revises earlier 1990s data and provides estimates for the academic year 1995-96. Study highlights include: (1)…