Many states are passing "free" college plans, and policymakers at both the state and federal level continue to debate the merits of national "free college" or "debt-free college" proposals, also known as Promise programs. Both federal and state "free" college proposals are geared toward a policy objective of…

Access to a quality, affordable college education remains a cornerstone of American economic and social development. Individuals from all backgrounds need the knowledge and skills afforded by higher education to compete in an increasingly integrated--and competitive--global economy. Greater educational attainment correlates with many positive…

This study classifies more than 2,800 public and private four-year and two-year colleges and universities in the 50 states and the District of Columbia according to their "accessibility" to typical residents. Accessibility has two components: admissibility (whether or not a college admits typical college-bound students in the state) and…

This study examined the relationship between students' socioeconomic characteristics and qualification for a merit scholarship in a new, state-run program. The Michigan merit award scholarship program provides scholarships of up to $2,500 for students who score at Level 1 or 2 of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program High School Tests.…

A guide to the opportunities at private colleges and universities in New York State through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) is presented. The HEOP is designed to meet the special needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds through screening, testing, counseling, tutoring, teaching, and financial assistance. Generally, students…

Connecticut was in the first round of states to be awarded an $8.6 million grant by the National Science Foundation for 5 years to change its system of education for improved teaching and learning in mathematics, science, and technology, with emphasis on improving the achievement of poor and minority children. A private firm evaluated this…

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at New York independent colleges and universities is described. Information is provided on eligibility and admission to a HEOP; remedial and developmental courses; tutorial services; academic, personal, and career counseling; financial aid; and economic eligibility criteria. HEOP provides supportive…

Information on the Higher Education Opportunity Programs (HEOP) at private colleges and universities in New York is provided. HEOP provides supportive services and financial aid to state residents attending private institutions in the state. The objective is to meet the special needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds through such…

The work of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is guided by a strategic plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide focus for the activity of this small agency and its five staff members in order to increase productivity and impact in the areas of its statutory authority. The mission and goals were accepted by Commissioners…

Over the last century, Americans have formed a social contract with higher education through the development of and changes to student financial aid programs. These federal, state, and institutional programs are the manifestation of the value we place on who should and who does pay the costs of higher education. Grants versus loans and low-income…

The 1983-1984 annual report of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at New York independent colleges and universities is presented. Information is provided on program administration, eligibility and student characteristics, campus programs, student achievement, and program financing. The state appropriated almost $11.5 million to serve…

New economic strategies used by states are described, and case studies of the recent innovations in economic development policies of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are presented. A number of programs in other states are briefly reviewed, and various models of state intervention are evaluated, along with the principles that underlie…

The article examines the impact of New York State's Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) after 13 years of implementation at 70 institutions, focusing on the effects of participation by underprepared, low-income students. Considered also are college admission and enrollment policies, academic support services, and budgets. The study…

Describes findings from a symposium sponsored by the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University focusing on the following policy issues: What are the most recent trends in state merit aid programs? What are the relevant legal issues involved? Do merit aid programs adversely affect college access for low-income and racial/ethnic minority students?…

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS THE PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCHOOL FINANCE SPONSORED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONAL FINANCE OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. THE CONFERENCE DEALT PRIMARILY WITH NEEDED CHANGES IN SCHOOL FINANCE TO SUPPORT THE IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATIONS DEMANDED FOR AMERICAN EDUCATION. ALSO INCLUDED ARE…