College officials worry that too many of their peers use merit aid to "buy" students whose test scores will burnish their institutions' rankings in "U.S. News & World Report." In fact, the debate about financial aid on today's campuses has led to the near vilification of merit aid. The lament is that money is often diverted…

Summarizes the current status of postsecondary education as it serves the bilingual-bicultural student. Examines issues which emerge from the unsatisfactory performance of higher education institutions. (Author/MK)

This article examines grants (Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, state grants) and work-study and loan programs. Discusses aid available to low-income and middle-income families, average amount of various types of awards, and what percentage of students is receiving financial aid. (CT)

Changes in the payment and reporting procedures of the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants are proposed. Removing the Student Eligibility Report (SER) as a payment device is advocated. The SER is useful as an acknowledgement form to the applicant, a data correction device, and a document to begin validation efforts. (MLW)

A study analyzing the impact of a recently proposed Department of Education independent student definition on Illinois Pell Grant applicants, identifying those program applicants who changed their status from dependent to independent in 1981-82 and 1982-83, and analyzing the effect of their status change on their eligibility is reported. (MSE)

The ability to manipulate student aid effectively is seen as crucial in the enrollment crunch of the 1980s, and trustees should make sure they have a knowledgeable financial aid officer. Federal dollars in student aid add up to 93 percent of the federal government's contribution to higher education. (Author/MLW)

Federal policy has reduced public responsibility for families receiving AFDC and shifted responsibility for dependent children to their parents. Discusses how fostering parents' obligation to support their children can benefit families. Explores how an awareness of these benefits on the part of workers can improve social work practice. (Author)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a complex form completed annually by millions of postsecondary students applying for federal financial aid. Errors frequently require resubmission. It is suggested that cognitive psychology principles that help describe how people understand text and complete forms be applied to a redesigned…

In 1991 the Department of Justice brought an antitrust action against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and eight Ivy League colleges and universities for participating in a financial aid disbursement scheme. Argues that antitrust laws should apply only if competition among nonprofit organizations tends to enhance efficiency and consumer…

Upward Bound directors in Maine began collaboration in the early 1980s and have developed a network that plays an important part in serving their students. This article is a collection of their comments about this collaboration and their Upward Bound programs. (JM)

Results of a survey of Utica College financial aid applicants revealed that the families of 67 percent have verified pension plans, with coverage varying by income level, type of employer, and occupation. A review of the Uniform Methodology, unchanged despite recent changes in laws governing accumulation of assets for retirement, is recommended.…

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education of the Committee on Education and Labor met in Missoula, Montana for an oversight hearing on the student aid delivery system. An opening statement from Pat Williams is followed by a report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance on the issue of multiple data entry (MDE)…

Issues concerning federally sponsored student financial aid programs are discussed, and an overview is presented on the six student assistance programs included within Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended, plus veterans benefits under the G.I. Bill and education benefits under Social Security (OASDI). Information is presented on…

A test of a reputable scholarship search service using a fictitious student and characteristics revealed that the aid source information obtained was only fair in relevance and response rate to follow-up inquiry. Students are advised to concentrate on more productive sources of information: colleges, personal contacts, and publications. (MSE)

The development of student consumerism on campus is reviewed and related to student consumer needs with respect to financial aid policies and procedures. Three of these student consumer needs are highlighted: information dissemination, improvement of counseling functions, and protection of student rights. (Author/JMD)