In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers a proposal to simplify need analysis in Pell grants and other federal need-based student aid as having merit but threatening serious financial harm to many current Pell grant recipients and their institutions. It is argued that focus on budgetary advantages ignores potential dislocations…

In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers a proposal to simplify and unify need analysis in Pell grants and other federal need-based student aid as appropriate. It is also argued that a single need analysis is needed because the complexity of the existing systems is a barrier to achieving the programs' central goal. (MSE)

In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers his proposal to simplify need analysis in Pell grants and other federal need-based student aid as ignoring important considerations. It is suggested that a single formula will be difficult to derive until a coherent philosophy of needs analysis and specific current purpose for the grant…

A discussion of the two systems of need analysis used for Pell grants and other large federal need-based student-aid programs looks at the reasons for different systems and examines the usefulness of simplification to one. Budgetary feasibility, distributional implications, alternative cost-saving reforms, and effects on public confidence are…

In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers a proposal to simplify need analysis in Pell grants and other federal need-based student aid as a good start toward getting policymakers to achieve more consistent assessments of student financial need, but more work by many parties to create a system producing more realistic need…

In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers his proposal to simplify and unify the need analysis used in the Pell grant program and other federal need-based student aid to be useful and well designed, avoiding some common political considerations as it improves procedures and increases equity. The alternative cost-saving aspects of…

It is argued that public investment in student financial aid should be evaluated based on tax revenue returns resulting from the expenditure. A model for estimating tax revenue returns from gains in educational attainment attributable to student aid is developed, and impact of aid on access and persistence is examined. (Author/MSE)

Research on changes in the design of the federal Pell Grant Program between 1973-74 and 1988-89 is reported, with focus on changes in the formulas used to calculate the Student Aid Index and the payment schedule, especially with reference to actual direct and indirect college attendance costs. (Author/MSE)

Analysis of the income-contingent repayment mechanism of the federal direct lending program suggests that it will be considerably more expensive than other repayment options in total interest costs for many; lead to hefty tax liabilities for some; be administratively cumbersome, vulnerable to fraud and abuse, and costly to taxpayers; and invite…

Comparison of federal need-analysis formulas for student financial aid in 1992-93 and 1993-94 focused on elimination of home/farm equity from calculations, parent contributions, and Pell Grant awards. Results suggest higher unmet need and lower Pell Grant awards, and imply that the most needy students may lose gift assistance to more affluent…