This report examines how the Department of Education calculates the default rate for two federal student loan programs--the Federal Family Education Loan program (FFELP) and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP). The report focuses on three questions regarding these programs: (1) whether there has been an increase in the number of…

This guide for student first-time borrowers presents the basic facts about subsidized Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans. Components of the guide include: (1) a section providing such information as amounts that can be borrowed, interest rates, loan fees, the various repayment plans, and loan…

A proposed change in federal student loan policy from providing loans through lending institutions to providing loans directly to students is of enormous importance to higher education, with major implications for colleges and universities. There are powerful arguments pro and con. Institutions must ensure they and policymakers understand the…

This guide is designed to help school financial aid administrators provide effective entrance counseling for first-time student borrowers of subsidized Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans. A section on what is required for entrance counseling specifies both regulatory requirements and the…

A discussion of the problem of student loan defaults places the issue in the context of loan program history and current federal policy. It argues that the situation is more complex than some public officials admit, and that short-term solutions will not effectively address the long-term problem. (MSE)

It is the peculiar genius of the United States that everyone bears some responsibility for higher education: parents, students, state and federal governments, alumni, business, and philanthropists. In deciding each partner's share of the cost, it must be remembered that what one partner saves must be paid by someone else. (Author/MSE)

The 1980s saw renewed emphasis on parental and student responsibility for financing college, as federal aid programs and family income lagged behind costs. These shifting burdens occurred largely without design. More explicit attention should be given to how responsibility is distributed and assuring support mechanisms are adequate. (Author/MSE)

A report on the Guaranteed Student Loan Amendments (H.R. 14070) to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 considers the problems behind and implications of the loan program. Chief among the problems are the default rate, access to loans, the schools as lenders, and the role of the states in administering the program. Changes recommended…

Section 439A of the Education Amendments of 1976 restricts the dischargeability of federal student loans to cases of "undue hardship." The origin, applications, and legal procedures involved in Section 439A and in Section 523(a) of the new Bankruptcy Code are examined and suggestions are made for determining the meaning of "undue…

This guide tells about federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for finding out about student aid, such as state higher education agencies, guidance counselors, and organizations connected with particular fields of interest. The guide offers tips on choosing a school…

This guide discusses federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for finding out about student aid, such as schools, state higher education agencies, guidance counselors, and organizations connected with particular fields of interest. It offers tips on how to choose a school…

Implications for future generations of college loan program changes are examined. The idea of who should pay for college is explored from the perspective of economic theory. It is concluded that new loan programs must be monitored carefully so they do not shift the burden of college payment from parents to students. (MSE)

This guide discusses federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for finding out about student aid, such as schools, state higher education agencies, guidance counselors, and organizations connected with particular fields of interest. It then offers tips on how to choose a…

This guide describes federal student aid programs for postsecondary education and how to apply for them. It begins by outlining sources for learning about student aid, such as school financial aid administrators, state higher education agencies, foundations, organizations related to particular fields of interest, and toll-free telephone numbers…

This paper on postsecondary education addresses students whose hearing impairments fall in the range from profound deafness to a slight loss of hearing. The paper begins with a discussion of definitions and communication methods. Options in academic postsecondary settings are outlined, including mainstream colleges or universities, specially…