Over the period 2001-2011, the number of applications for university places increased by 17.8%, or just over 37,000. At the same time, the number of offers increased faster in percentage terms (20.5%), while absolute growth was slightly smaller at just under 35,000. As demand for higher education has grown, there has been a trend towards Science,…

Current federal student financial assistance programs are described, and their impact on access to and choice of postsecondary education are assessed. In addition, recommendations and policy options for promoting educational opportunity are offered. Findings of the following eight studies are analyzed: (1) changes in college attendance and student…