As debate continues over who should get what kinds of aid to attend college, it is important to know what students and their families are actually paying for college, where the money is coming from, and how students' methods of paying vary with their family income and the type of institution they attend. To inform these debates, this report uses…

This publication compares the borrowing patterns of undergraduate students surveyed in the National Postsecondary Student Aid Studies of 1989-90, 1992-93, and 1995-96 who received federal Family Education (Stafford) or Supplemental Loans for Students, based on data from the National Student Loan Data System. The primary purpose of the study was to…

This Student Aid Handbook presents suggestions for prospective applicants to consider when choosing a college or university which bet meets the candidate's needs and goals. The Handbook describes four areas to consider and related questions when researching a field of study or school: national accreditation or state authorizations, courses, costs,…

This report provides contextual background for the Missouri Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education, which was established in 1998 to engage students, parents, business, higher education, and public policy leaders in a systematic dialogue aimed at ensuring that an affordable college education stays within reach of Missouri citizens.…

This report on student indebtedness is based primarily on a current study which is measuring the average Stafford loan balance facing students, as well as indicators of payment stress. The study is based on data on about 325,000 loans from the USA Group's entire loan servicing portfolio, which includes both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford…

This package is a collection of 12 transparencies to accompany a discussion of reasons to go to college and how to pay for college. The first sheet is an introduction, and the second poses the question "Why go to college or career school?" The third transparency summarizes topics related to paying for college or career school, and the rest of the…

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…

This guide, written in Spanish, describes federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for learning about student aid, such as school financial aid administrators, state higher education agencies, foundations, organizations related to particular fields of interest and toll-free…

Tuition and financial aid affect higher education access and institutional budgeting practices. California's public system has the lowest fees for community college, midrange for the California State University, and highest for the University of California. Although Federal Pell and State Cal Grants soften the tuition burden, the system relies…

This article critically reviews implementation of the National Loan Scholarship Scheme in India. It examines the program's strengths, weaknesses, and problems (e.g., a culture with negative attitudes toward such loans). It concludes that student loans are making little contribution to either the efficiency or equity of higher education in India.…

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;…

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.…

Research has examined how college loans affect students, while ignoring implications for families. Recent changes in funding British higher education are consistent with some forms of family assets and obligations, but challenge others. Promotion of privatization and individual investment overlooks the importance of collective private…

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…