Analyzed data from the 1992-93 and 1995-96 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) and found that the 1992 amendments to the Higher Education Act were associated with an increased tendency to borrow at the federal limit, particularly among undergraduates from middle-income families. (EV)

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…

A number of alternative definitions of the independent student were tested to determine what percentage of change would occur in the present distribution of dependent/independent students according to the Basic Education Opportunity Grant (BEOG) definition. Findings are analyzed and implications of possible change in the federal definition…

The ways in which 24 private and 24 public AAU universities have established this student assistance policy are examined. Consideration is given to some of the implications for universities and especially graduate students. (Author/LBH)

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…

Creative ideas recently emerging to help families cope with rising educational costs are reviewed, including state and federal level savings plans, alternative loan programs, guaranteed access plans, and public service proposals. (Author/MSE)

Historical data concerning the federal Guaranteed Student Loan Program/Stafford Student Loan Program/Family Education Loan Program are presented, tracing default rates since 1980 and the population distributions for borrowers by institution type (overall, collegiate, noncollegiate, public or private, two- or four-year, proprietary). Individual…

The uneven but significant role of policy research in forming federal student financial aid programs in the last 15 years is discussed and the implications for the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in the mid-1980's are examined. (MSE)

The University of Oregon's financial aid director describes the success of the Federal Direct Student Loan program in its first year at the institution. No significant program disadvantages were experienced, and its advantages included flexibility of administration, ease of data management with the servicer, decrease in office workload, and…

A study investigated the implementation costs of direct lending in 77 diverse colleges and universities, including both increases and decreases in institutional expenditures. Results indicate that start-up costs varied greatly, that the institution's loan volume was related to the cost and savings experienced, and that costs and savings were…

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)

A research study is described that shows that administrative approaches placing the initiative for federal work-study job placement upon the student can improve program efficiency, without significantly affecting administrative effectiveness. Other possible advantages for the student employer and institution are also discussed. (Author/LBH)