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 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…

Most federal support for student financial aid is distributed through student loans via the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) and the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). This report provides information on the number of schools in each program, and the distribution of student loans between the two programs; the loan…

This study analyzes the experience of existing higher education student loan programs in developing countries in order to understand their role in fostering cost recovery. Detailed financial analyses of 24 loan programs shows that present value of the repayments collected constitutes a small percentage of the loan value disbursed. In general,…

Reviews problems with the Stafford Student Loan Program (Federal Family Educational Loan Program), including high-risk borrowers, dishonest school officials, negligent lenders, and guaranty agencies. Critiques recent reform measures designed to simplify the program. Suggests alternative policies, particularly direct loans from the federal…

This congressional report argues that the costs of the current guaranteed lending program for postsecondary education can be reduced in three ways: (1) by eliminating more-than-competitive returns to private lenders; (2) by reducing administrative costs; and (3) by reducing default costs. It is suggested that the first solution can be accomplished…

This letter report by the Director of Education and Employment Issues in the U.S. General Accounting Office responds to a request from Senator Edward M. Kennedy for information on the federal costs involved for liquidation activities of the Higher Education Assistance Foundation (HEAF) in fiscal year (FY) 1992, the second year of the agreement to…

This document is a record of testimony presented during a series of three hearings concerning changes that may be needed in the Stafford Loan Program, which each year generates the largest amount of financial assistance for college bound students. Testimony was heard from witnesses representing all sectors of postsecondary education, as were…

This report describes the activities, accomplishments, and concerns of the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education, for the 6-month period ending March 31, 2000. The report describes management challenges concerning student financial assistance, including instances of fraud and abuse, concealment of prior defaults, patterns of…

President Bill Clinton used the declining default rate on college student loans as a basis for proposing tax breaks for college costs. Reduced defaults have saved taxpayer money and helped reduce the federal deficit. Over 150 colleges and universities, including 25 private institutions, risk losing eligibility for federal grant and loan programs…

This paper analyzes the factors associated with student loan default in the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) program for higher education. The paper provides an overview of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) Student Loan Recipient Survey, and, using data from the survey, presents a descriptive analysis of student loan recipients and…