The article reviews changes since the 1970s in British higher education finances including the original University Grants, economic influences, and the impact of the 1988 Education Reform Act which established the University Funding Council and the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council. Noted is the nation's reliance on grants rather than…

The trend in rising tuitions at law schools is documented as is the increasing reliance of students on loans to finance their legal education. Among concerns raised are that the need to "hustle" to make ends meet will present problems in maintaining standards of professionalism. (DB)

Research on changes in the design of the federal Pell Grant Program between 1973-74 and 1988-89 is reported, with focus on changes in the formulas used to calculate the Student Aid Index and the payment schedule, especially with reference to actual direct and indirect college attendance costs. (Author/MSE)

A study of changes in patterns of freshman and family incomes in colleges and in the nation in general in 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, and 1986 found that low-income students experienced reductions in access to college in the early 1980's. (Author/MSE)

Critical research topics in student financial aid are identified. Four are described: evaluation of student aid's accomplishments and shortcomings, student loans, access for minorities, and college costs. Four "propositions" about public policy and those who make it are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A plan to require national service in return for student financial aid could restrict educational opportunities for Blacks and set up new barriers for low-income students. The proposed Citizenship and National Service Act would award student aid grants and loans on the basis of volunteer service, rather than on need. (FMW)

Responding to the cost debate, higher education must look carefully at all the ways its institutions serve the public, then work together to convey that message to labor, business and industry, public officials, school teachers, parents, and others, building constituencies among those with a stake in higher education's success. (Author/MSE)

Several national data sources available to the public can be used to examine institutional impacts of student financial aid and to compare institutional data with national averages. (Author/MSE)

There are a variety of ways in which governing boards and board members can help create opportunities for successful enrollment management, through institutional policy, personal action, or support of faculty efforts. (MSE)

A study of applicants to an urban public university investigated the effect of scholarship size on attendance and persistence, impact of scholarship students on the school, and potential effects of different distributions of scholarship funds. Results suggest institutions using large scholarships should examine yield and persistence rates. (MSE)

Many colleges award more merit-based scholarship money to athletes than to all other undergraduates combined. Critics say this sends disturbing messages about institutional priorities. Others claim athletic scholarships derive from sports-related income. Awarding of athletic scholarships based on need would partially alleviate the problem. (MSE)

A discussion of state grant programs for college students outlines the relationships between program goals and effects and the difficulties in designing appropriate and successful programs. Guidelines for assessing these interrelationships are offered to help policymakers design grant programs that can most efficiently and effectively achieve…

This commentary on McPherson (HE 534 036) argues that the affluent are being subsidized too heavily by current financing schemes, resulting in enrollment trends that favor middle- and especially upper-income students attending college, and exclude lower-income students. Higher income families should bear more of the cost of higher education, with…

A discussion of national trends and practices in college student financial aid and pricing focuses on the debate over whether student aid should be used to promote diversity and equity or enhance an institution's market position. It is suggested that intensifying competition for affluent students with strong academic credentials raises difficult…

Methods of evaluating college and university student financial aid policies are examined in two case studies of institutions using different aid strategies: one that rewarded a few high-achieving students and one that emphasized student self-help. It is concluded that such research can be helpful to institutions in determining appropriate…