This study examined characteristics differentiating defaulters on Stafford student loans (formerly Guaranteed Student Loans) from non-defaulters. Data were drawn from a sample of 100,000 records randomly selected from the fiscal year 1987 guarantee agency cumulative borrower file. A cohort of 7,382 borrowers taking out their last loan in FY 1983…

Discussion of the need for the Perkins Loan Program examines recent trends in borrowing under this and the Stafford Loan Program, comparing demographic characteristics, income levels, educational costs, and financial-need levels of loan recipients. It is concluded that the Perkins program continues to play a vital role in providing need-based aid…

For several decades, education has assumed a vital role in this country's economic, social, and political development, catapulting less advantaged citizens into higher social classes and the political process. A testament to education's fundamental importance in our society are the numerous programs designed during the 1960s to eliminate the…