Discusses Great Britain's funding of higher education institutions, which is linked to funding student support, identifying factors underpinning the Secretary of State for Education and Employment's establishment of a National Committee of Inquiry; exploring contextual dimensions of those working to influence policy; considering educational…

Using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, this study examined the influence of finance-related reasons for college choice on persistence decisions. Finance-related choices were found to have direct and indirect influences on college persistence, and market-based, monetary measures of financial aid, tuition, housing costs, and…

Analysis of data from 443 graduating college seniors found many students: (1) unaware of their total loan indebtedness and payment obligations (both over- and under-estimating debt payments); (2) borrowed to support "a better lifestyle," and (3) were unable to estimate realistically their post-graduation earnings and ability to meet repayment…

Two attorneys discuss compliance issues surrounding the new rules concerning return of Title IV funds. They explain the calculation process and identify emerging legal issues and risk factors, including determination of student withdrawal rates, allowances for leaves of absence, the handling of inadvertent overpayments, and student grant repayment…

Describes the outcome of a National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey (NPSAS), which found that two-year students were 0.18% less likely to persist for each $100 increase in tuition, more likely to persist if they received subsidies, and 15.96% more likely to persist for every $1,000 in student loan debt outstanding. (Contains 68 references.) (PGS)

This study focuses on the correlates of student preference for private institutions over public institutions in their senior year in high school. Results indicate that students' subjective responses to tuition costs and to financial aid availability are directly related to student preference for a certain type of postsecondary institution. (JM)

Explores how, while there are fears that the new emphasis on merit-based aid comes at the expense of aid to the most needy students, evidence suggests that it has not yet jeopardized need-based aid although it is clearly rapidly increasing. (EV)

Data from 1969-1972 and 1974-1977 (surrounding implementation of Pell Grants in 1973) and 1984-1986 and 1988-1990 (surrounding eligibility changes for independent students) show that increased federal financial aid for nontraditional students had a significant effect on their college enrollment decisions. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)

Discusses how a long recession will increase students' need for financial assistance, but that unfortunately, institutions are unlikely to cut back on merit aid to do more for the neediest students. (EV)

Examines the use of employer-provided financial aid by students seeking a degree or credential. Describes differences in amounts of aid awarded and proportions of students receiving aid by numerous variables such as demographic characteristics, type of occupation and industry, field and level of study, and type of institution. (Author)

This longitudinal study followed four consecutive freshmen cohorts at a large urban public university. Found science, engineering, and mathematics (SEM) students persisted and graduated at higher rates than non-SEM majors. Gift aid for SEM majors was more likely to be merit-based than need-based. Women, but not underrepresented minorities or needy…

Analyzes demographic and financial trends affecting future student financial aid needs and considers some possible solutions, including expanding definitions of merit awards to include nondirect inducements for top high school students, prepaid tuition plans sponsored by the federal government, and using information technology to store and…

Admissions and financial aid offices are the initial point of interaction for many parents of college students. Highlights several recent trends in higher education, including the expanding use of technology and a growing consumerism, and how these forces reshape the work of admissions and financial aid professionals. (Contains 21 references.)…

Although they work toward the same goal, high school counselors and admission officers often overlook one another as essential resources in the transition to postsecondary education. When addressing the best ways to utilize high school visits, education professionals must remember that while student academic preparation, family support and…

This study examines the finances of students from rural and urban regions of Newfoundland and Labrador studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland. A sample of 722 senior full-time students was selected, and 439 of these students were interviewed by telephone. Statistical analysis of the data found that the two groups were significantly…