A review of the conceptual and operational roots of student financial aid gives a brief history of federal programs, provides a statistical profile of federal postsecondary aid since 1970, examines the complexities of need analysis and delivery systems, and outlines policy goals for the 1990s. (MSE)

The State Student Incentive Grants (SSIG) program is examined with particular reference to its purposes, its relation to other federal grant programs, and its success as an incentive to other states. The origin and development of the SSIG program is reviewed beginning with its creation as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. Goals for the…

The major maintenance programs, changes brought about by the 1981 Omnibus Reconciliation Act, and the effects on students or prospective students are described. Attention is directed to Social Security, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Medicaid, food stamps, public housing assistance, the Comprehensive Education and Training Act…