The purpose of federal support for the general educational goals of higher education is examined in this testimony. Such support for higher education currently amounts to $3.4 billion, exclusive of research and veterans educational benefits under the GI bill. Two roles are identified for federal support of higher education: (1) the role of…

The validity of the basic assumptions underlying student grant programs is examined; namely, whether student aid increases access to postsecondary education for low income groups, whether student aid promotes student choice, and whether financing higher education through students greatly aids private institutions. The major conclusions of the…