Since the beginning of the Great Recession, many community colleges have experienced significant declines in state revenue, increases in enrollment, higher tuition, and flat or declining state student aid. These conditions have also occurred in an environment of heightened accountability with pressure to advance a student success agenda and to…

This study had two major purposes. The first purpose was to compare federal, state, and institutional direct grant aid, unmet needs, and headcount in 2000-2001 and 2005-2006. The second was to assess if any changes found related to the presence or absence of two key factors identified by experts as important to understanding the community college…

Discusses federal student financial aid, focusing on direct grant aid programs that serve needy students attending community colleges. Presents recent data showing that lower-income students attending community colleges are likely to receive less direct grant aid than those attending for-profit proprietary two-year institutions. (Contains 26…

Community colleges are unique among higher education institutions in their potential access to local appropriations as well as state funding. A total of 26 states reported to the Education Commission of the States in 2001 that community colleges in their states received some share of local funding. Using data for 781 public community colleges, we…

Discusses the Rising Star Scholarship program of the Dallas County (Texas) Community College District (DCCCD), an approach to financial aid that states that every high school graduate should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of financial means. Describes the program as a unique way of fundraising within the business community. (ND)

Discusses the origins of California's community colleges and some major developments in their mission and functions, such as transfer programs and open enrollment; organization and structure, including governance and administrative structures; faculty and professional qualifications; and funding, fee policies, and student financial-aid…