In this article, the author discusses the Democratic victories that have raised expectations on college campuses in part because a number of the gubernatorial candidates, including Deval L. Patrick, emphasized themes of access and affordability in their campaigns. Mr. Patrick, the governor-elect of Massachusetts, traveled to the University of…

The surge in federal aid to students at proprietary schools, many of whom drop out, means that students seeking bachelor's degrees at non-profit public and private institutions are getting less aid. Proprietary schools claim they are doing a better job of educating disadvantaged students. (MSE)

Colleges charge different prices to insure that able students can have access to an excellent education, regardless of their families' incomes. Price discrimination, charging two different customers two different prices for exactly the same item only because the people differ in ability to pay, is discussed. (MLW)

A law suit filed by a coalition of Hispanic civil rights and student groups to sue Texas and the boards of its public four-year colleges and universities is discussed. The state is charged with discriminating against Hispanic students by providing fewer programs and giving less money to public colleges with large Hispanic enrollments. (MLW)

State legislatures' 1998 sessions have produced an array of new laws and programs intended to improve access to college: by overhauling higher education systems, particularly two-year colleges; creating or expanding scholarship programs; increasing appropriations substantially so public colleges can hold down tuition; and helping students avoid…