Reviews recent data on cost trends in professional (especially legal) education, including interest costs, repayment mechanisms, and the issue of foregone wages. Also examines placement data and the ability to repay and refinance college indebtedness, as well as the developing relationship among college cost, credit cards, and consumer finance.…

This report briefly summarizes Alaska's student financial aid programs and the participation levels for 1991-92. After introductory remarks, more detailed sections focus on the following specific programs: (1) the Alaska Student Loan Program; (2) the Alaska Family Education Loan Program; (3) the Alaska Teacher Scholarship Loan Program; (4) the…

These proceedings include five papers presented at a symposium on issues related to the increasing amounts of student borrowing and resulting student debt. Also included is a synopsis of a roundtable discussion addressing core questions framed by the symposium, as well as several public policy options for addressing student loan debt burden. The…

This guide describes Federal student aid programs, how to apply for them, and what these programs entail. Guidelines are provided on the ways to find out about student financial aid that is available and how to choose a school carefully. Additionally examined are student eligibility requirements, financial need rules, dependency status, steps in…

An economic squeeze is being placed on colleges and universities through reduced federal and state aid to education. Discusses the history of financial aid, who is considered needy, whether accepting a student loan is wise, the new Direct Loan program, prepayment loans, using college debt to your advantage, and future trends in financial aid. (JBJ)

This article examines problems with the student loan program from an institutional perspective, in the context of reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It raises questions for evaluating reform proposals; presents seven key principles for student loan reform; and offers suggestions for a pilot program addressing direct lending,…

This article reviews student loan programs around the world; notes the problem of financial inefficiency, particularly in developing nations; discusses strategies to improve loan program performance, such as program targeting and avoidance of hidden subsidies; and considers alternatives to student loans based on principles of deferred payment. (DB)

During spring 2001, Noel-Levitz created a student loan default model for the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The goal of this project was to identify students most likely to default, to identify as risk elements those characteristics that contributed to student loan default, and to use these risk elements to plan and implement targeted,…

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.…

This report examines the Perkins Student Loan Program, and in particular, the weaknesses in the Department of Education's policies, procedures, and practices for recovering Perkins loan fund assets from schools that go out of business. The report reveals that when schools in the Perkins Student Loan Program close, the Department of Education…

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…

Summarizes prior studies with a focus on untangling how changes in student financial aid policy have influenced changes in opportunity. Also recommends new strategies for lowering student loan debt, increasing federal and state cooperation in providing adequate need-based grant aid, and developing policies that target debt forgiveness for…

This hearing document presents testimony comprising prepared statements and letters that address the direct loan concept (as authored by Senators Simon and Durenberger) in student financial aid, and the idea of tying repayment to income (income-contingent loan) as a means of simplifying the nation's guaranteed student loan process. Testimony…

This report presents testimony, along with prepared letters, statements, and supplemental materials, submitted before a House congressional hearing concerned with the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 in general, and the integrity and quality of grant and loan assistance for students in particular. The testimony and statements…

This testimony before the House Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education addresses the need for improving student financial aid programs administered by the Department of Education, and in particular, the Stafford Student Loan Programs. The testimony begins with a brief review of the default problems involving student loans. Next, an examination is…