Under current law, students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the United States are considered financially independent (from their parents) for the purposes of financial aid if, among other conditions, they are 24 years of age or older. When students' parents are able to pay, considering them financially independent may result in more generous…

This report, based on the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges, provides updated information on tuition and other expenses associated with attending public and private nonprofit institutions of postsecondary education in the United States in the 2003-2004 academic year. The annual survey is distributed to more than 2,800 postsecondary…

Implications for future generations of college loan program changes are examined. The idea of who should pay for college is explored from the perspective of economic theory. It is concluded that new loan programs must be monitored carefully so they do not shift the burden of college payment from parents to students. (MSE)