Colleges, universities, and the communities they serve have always been concerned about students' abilities to pay and the systems of aid to support students' learning. This article reviews the history of aiding student in higher education. Early student- and institutionally-led programs are discussed along with initial philanthropic and…

Federal student aid programs for postsecondary education, and the procedures for applying for them, are described. The following topics are addressed: (1) finding out about student financial aid (sources other than this guide); (2) U. S. Department of Education student aid--general information (eligibility; financial need; forms, records and…

The federal government provides student loans for college and graduate school in two ways: by: (1) guaranteeing bank loans; and (2) by lending directly to students. Approximately three-quarters of federal student loans are guaranteed and one-quarter are direct. In the guaranteed loan program, a 40-year-old system, banks lend students money and…

This discussion of how the effectiveness of federal student aid can be evaluated is framed in terms of three questions: (1) Has federal student aid expanded educational opportunity; that is, has it encouraged the enrollment and broadened the educational choices of disadvantaged students? (2) Has federal student aid made the distribution of higher…

The Guaranteed Student Loan Program (GSLP) has had many problems, including a high default rate, student bankruptcy, bad press, and lack of government money. (PG)

Argues that increased federal regulation in the name of accountability will diminish the quality and innovative capacity of higher education. Examines pending litigation that would automatically subject a college to federal regulation if its students accept federal aid and thus become "conduits" of federal assistance to the institution.…

This handbook of sources of financial aid for postsecondary education provides information on the following topics: (1) introduction (general information for the student, planning for the future, and a "do list" for parents and students); (2) American Legion educational aids (a detailed table of data on financial assistance offered by…

Recent developments on the topic of Guaranteed Student Loan defaults are summarized, in light of a recent shift in the focus of default reduction efforts from loan originators to the schools themselves. Background information on recent default reports is provided, the recommendations of the Secretary of Education are discussed, and the legislative…

Perspectives on defaults occurring under the two major federal student loan programs, Guaranteed Student Loans (GSL) and National Direct Student Loans (NDSL), are presented. Attention is directed to differences in the size and mode of operation of these programs, the extent and costs of default, comparisons with other types of loans, and the…

This document summarizes the type or amount of assistance and eligibility and application procedures of major federal student assistance programs administered by the Office of Education. The programs discussed include: the basic educational opportunity grant program; the supplemental educational opportunity grants; direct loans to students in…

Given the pressure for alternative uses of government funds, loans will continue to have a role in the student assistance program. The limitations inherent in their use and how best they may be coped with are explored. (MLW)

Hearings are presented on the subject of defaults of student loans made pursuant to the Guaranteed Student Loan Program authorized by part B of Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Methods are suggested for cutting down or eliminating defaults including: (1) discharging federal employees who have defaulted on student loans, after a reasonable…

Issues concerning the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 are voiced by representatives from various states, based on hearings held in New York City. It is recommended that the Pell Grant Program continue to be the cornerstone program of federal financial aid to postsecondary students. A large percentage of Pell grant recipients…

Hearings on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, and specifically Guaranteed Student Loans (GSL), are presented, with a focus on issues of multiple disbursements, loan consolidation, subsidies, and copayments. Witnesses represent the lending institutions, secondary markets, and students. The GSL program is designed to promote the…

The federal student loan program is examined with focus on how well it will serve the country's needs in the 1990s and beyond. A series of papers are presented in two parts. Part one, Student Loan Policy and Proposals for Change, includes the following papers: "Appearance and Reality in the Guaranteed Student Loan Program" (M.…