Louisiana's program of state merit scholarships, inspired by Georgia's HOPE Scholarship program, is over budget in its first year because lawmakers pushed to expand eligibility and data for estimating costs was inadequate. Critics find such programs often provide aid to families with little financial need. The program pays full tuition at state…

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…