Released in April 2000, this report is one of a series of publications issued by the California Postsecondary Education Commission as part of its planning and coordinating responsibilities. Intended to address the needs of elected officials, educators, and governing bodies, the report discusses California's complex higher education issues in the…

The transition from high school to college is complex, and this book addresses many of the transitional issues faced by parents of college bound students during that period. The purpose of the book is to provide tips on helping kids make good choices about academics, teacher, friends, and activities in high school; conducting a college search that…

The U.S. Department of Education makes William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans directly to students through the schools they attend. This guide for borrowers addresses: (1) facts about repaying direct loans; (2) consequences of default; (3) managing direct loan records; (4) information review; (5) important things to find out from the school; (6)…

Highlights of this data on student financial aid in the University of Wisconsin (UW) system for 1997-98 include the following: 84 percent of student financial aid comes from federal sources; 56 percent of undergraduate students receive aid (up 2 percent from the previous year); 35 percent of graduate students receive aid (up 2 percent); 60 percent…

The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education established the Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education to respond to concerns and challenges posed by the rising cost of attendance at colleges and universities and private career schools. This commission was charged with reviewing pertinent data and making recommendations to the…

In 2003, the Department of Education proposed an update to the state and other tax allowance, a part of the federal need analysis for student financial aid. Most federal aid as well as some state and institutional aid is awarded based on the student's cost of attendance less the student's and/or family's ability to pay these costs--known as the…

Because so many Americans can afford to save for children's college costs but do not, it is proposed that employers take a more active role in promoting college financial planning. Possible solutions include company-sponsored contributory accounts, educational savings plans; payroll deduction plans, educational annuity programs, subsidized or…

Three plans for reforming the financing of students wishing to attend college, therefore improving college affordability, are outlined: (1) improving the college loan system; (2) mitigating high tuition with high student aid; and (3) making comprehensive changes at all levels of the college finance system (the Plan of the National Commission on…

A 1953 article outlining procedures used at Harvard University (MA) for analyzing a student's need for financial aid is reprinted here because it is felt to reflect the basic principles of sound student financial aid policy. (MSE)

A survey of 973 students in a variety of academic programs at the University of Coventry (England) returning from summer vacations gathered information about summer employment experiences and income. Income levels for students employed full and part time were then compared with student contribution requirements for student financial aid. (MSE)

Among 4,931 young physicians, those most likely to question career choice had higher proportions of white women, African Americans, and Hispanics. These had lower incomes, higher educational debt, more hours and patient visits, and were more likely to report inappropriate use of tests and procedures and lack of autonomy. Implications are…

The 1980s saw renewed emphasis on parental and student responsibility for financing college, as federal aid programs and family income lagged behind costs. These shifting burdens occurred largely without design. More explicit attention should be given to how responsibility is distributed and assuring support mechanisms are adequate. (Author/MSE)

The current income tax law's effects on common elements of education financing are discussed, including scholarships, loans, employment, and related issues. In light of recent tax changes that increase the after-tax cost of education, information for maximizing remaining tax advantages is offered. (MSE)

This summarizes a study about how well California State University, Chico, Upward Bound participants persist in postsecondary education. Upward Bound graduates entered, are persisting toward their educational goal, or have completed their goal in a single postsecondary institution at a higher rate than the national college-going population. (JM)

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…