The current income tax law's effects on common elements of education financing are discussed, including scholarships, loans, employment, and related issues. In light of recent tax changes that increase the after-tax cost of education, information for maximizing remaining tax advantages is offered. (MSE)

The proportion of women in top collegiate sports programs, 38%, and women's share of athletics budgets increased slightly in 1996-1997. Men still received almost twice as much money as women for operating expenses, recruiting, and athletically related financial aid. Advocates for women's athletics find the gains too small. College football…

Describes the varied kinds of student aid fraud found to be occurring within and outside colleges and universities, and examines implications for public policy on student aid programs. Discusses specific fraud cases and their outcomes, and makes suggestions for institutional action if student fraud is suspected. (MSE)

The role of lawyers representing colleges on Title IV (Higher Education Act) student aid issues is to prevent, identify, correct, negotiate, resolve, or litigate regulatory problems confronting participating colleges. These functions also extend to problems arising before the existence of accrediting agencies, state licensing bodies, guaranty…

Focus groups comprised of Alaska Native students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks identified factors contributing to or serving as barriers to student academic success. Contributors included student persistence, financial support from native corporations, family support, employment, and availability of developmental classes. Barriers included…

After 25 years of federal and state voucher systems in higher education, public colleges and universities find themselves financially shortchanged. Higher education vouchers (direct student aid) were developed to expand educational opportunity, give lower income students more choices, and support private colleges. Voucher systems produce greater…

A discussion of affirmative action issues and litigation in higher education looks at college and university employment; admissions, student financial aid, and other programs unique to educational institutions; the status of racial "diversity" as a rationale for affirmative action; and the types of activities and programs likely to withstand…

An economist discusses whether strategic use of student financial aid to achieve sound fiscal goals in higher education is at odds with the competing goal of equity. Overemphasis on efficiency will cause higher education to lose sight of its mission; while it should not shy away from rational consideration of expenses and revenues, it should…

This summarizes a study about how well California State University, Chico, Upward Bound participants persist in postsecondary education. Upward Bound graduates entered, are persisting toward their educational goal, or have completed their goal in a single postsecondary institution at a higher rate than the national college-going population. (JM)

This article describes Options for Justice, an agency that provides education and training to professionals and direct services to offenders with developmental disabilities. Recommendations for developing and implementing similar programs are offered. Areas addressed include assessing need, funding, selection of program services, staffing, the…

Summarizes prior studies with a focus on untangling how changes in student financial aid policy have influenced changes in opportunity. Also recommends new strategies for lowering student loan debt, increasing federal and state cooperation in providing adequate need-based grant aid, and developing policies that target debt forgiveness for…

Eighteen months after a women's advocacy group leveled sex-discrimination charges against 25 prominent college athletics departments, the Department of Education has cleared eight of the institutions, and 10 others have agreed to give more scholarship money to women athletes. However, some are unhappy about the investigation process, claiming…

Presents an interview with Blenda Wilson, president and chief executive officer of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Discusses ways low income and minority students can afford college tuition, as well as areas in which the financial aid process must be revised. Suggests that community outreach is crucial, as is increased access to grant-based…

This article describes some of the special financial aid needs of students with disabilities and the policy implications of those needs. It focuses on the financial burdens of having a disability, the time demands faced by those with disabilities, the multiple and complex sources from which students with disabilities derive support, and the…

This chapter argues that a relatively high tuition, high financial aid policy is the most equitable and efficient way to fund community college operating budgets and promote access.