In the latest addition to the National College Attainment Network's (NCAN) state policy resource library, we present a new report about how to simplify state financial aid programs. While maximum award amounts tend to grab headlines, the fine print can make all the difference in whether students can access and retain state aid. Those most impacted…

After decades of frustration with increasingly complex college financial aid policies, a nationwide shift toward "free college" programs has gained momentum. New York State joined the free college movement in 2017, when Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his goal to make public higher education tuition-free for most students during his…

This strategic action plan highlights policy and funding recommendations to make significant progress toward Washington's educational attainment goals. To meet those goals, adults ages 25-44 in Washington will hold a high school diploma, and at least 70 percent will have a postsecondary credential. Significant progress will require systemic…

The federal role in higher education has grown over the past two decades, and now a new administration has the opportunity to strengthen policies that support students and their colleges and universities. To help inform these decisions, the Urban Institute convened a bipartisan group of scholars and policy advisers to write a series of memos…

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step for students to receive their portion of the billions of grant aid dollars disbursed in federal student financial aid; however, every year many low income and community college students fail to complete the FAFSA. Over the past twenty years,…

Applying for financial aid can be a complicated, time-consuming endeavor for students and their families. Fortunately, many state aid programs have taken strides to align aid applications to the form used for federal aid programs, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), making state aid more readily accessible. New conversations…

Access to financial aid is dependent on a variety of factors, including the time of application; the earlier students apply for financial aid, the greater their access to institutional and often state resources. We use the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) as a case for investigating the economic, social, and academic factors that affect…

In light of significant restructuring in New Jersey higher education and shrinking public funds, this project comprehensively examined New Jersey's system of financial aid. It was conducted through the compilation and assessment of program data as well as through interviews with several individuals in the New Jersey higher education community. The…

This biennial directory of educational services for the disabled and their families lists 1,052 programs, services, and directories designed primarily or exclusively for persons with disabilities and members of their families, sources of state benefits, and other financial aid directories. An introductory section explains the purpose of the…

This monograph describes and analyzes major federal and state student financial assistance programs. Chief among those reviewed are the Basic and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, National Direct Student Loans, State Student Incentive Grants, the Guaranteed Student Loans, College Work Study, and the G.I. Bill. The paper explains how…

This volume describes federal student financial aid programs that are administered at the state level. Students must meet state eligibility requirements to receive assistance or benefits from these programs. The State grant programs are: (1) the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program; (2) the Special Leveraging Educational…

This volume describes federal student financial aid programs that are administered at the state level. Students must meet state eligibility criteria to receive assistance or benefits from these programs. The state grant programs are: (1) Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program; (2) Special Leveraging Educational Assistance…

Student financial aid is the primary means by which the federal government encourages broad access to higher education and promotes an educated citizenry, and it is a major component of Washington State's efforts to ensure necessary educational opportunities for its residents. This report provides an overview of both federal and Washington State…

This document identifies and describes the sources of public support for postsecondary vocational training in the United States, including the mix of public assistance that is currently available to economically disadvantaged individuals. Following an introduction, the second section is an overview of the general financing situation. Tables report…

A summary is provided of Alaska's student loan program for postsecondary education. After a brief program descriptions giving the purposes and terms of the program, a question-and-answer section covers purposes and amount of loans, when application should be made, the application process, eligibility and repayments. A schedule of payments and…