An Iowa school board established a policy that included a complete ban on nonmandated school busing with the option that parents could purchase busing for their children at the full district average cost. The program has provided necessary additional revenues to prevent budget cuts in educational programs. Provides information about the…

This guide to federal Direct PLUS loans for parents of students attending postsecondary education institutions begins with a list of frequently asked questions and answers. The first chapter is on the basics of what a Direct PLUS loan is and what parents need to know before applying for a Direct PLUS loan. The second chapter, which deals with…

This guide, designed for college-bound students and parents but also useful to counselors and other practitioners, provides information and a variety of practical strategies for anticipating, evaluating, and meeting college costs. An introductory section discusses the reality of college costs and the family's role in general terms. The next…

Explained are the rationale and procedures for determining a college student's family's ability to contribute to payment of educational costs, as structured by the Congressional Budget Office. The problems of these calculations--including difficulties in obtaining enough information about state and local taxes, and possible changes in consumption…

The current high rate of tuition inflation and the low rate of savings by parents for future college costs is fueling interest in tuition prepurchase plans that guarantee the price of college years in advance. Middle class interest, educational risks, investments vs. tuition, and tax issue are discussed. (MLW)

If higher education costs in developing countries were shared using fees paid by higher income parents, additional resources would be generated for education. This article presents a method for computing a parent's expected contribution, which should more equitably distribute costs among students, parents, and taxpayers. Includes 10 tables and 18…

Governor Blanchard of Michigan announced that the IRS planned to allow parents to participate in the state's prepaid-tuition program without paying additional federal income tax. A broader ruling will take additional time to formulate. The federal government is considering a national plan to allow tax breaks for college savings. (MLW)

Traces state financial aid to private colleges in New York State, culminating in McGeorge Bundy's subsidy program beginning in 1967. Questions whether students have actually benefited from Bundy Aid. A statistical analysis shows that private college tuition levels are determined more by academic quality than by costs, religious affiliation, or…

This background paper discusses the current system of child care finance in Washington State and analyzes options for improvement. It describes prominent characteristics of the early childhood care and education system, findings relating program quality to staff/child ratios and staff educational levels, characteristics of quality, parent…

The Direct PLUS Loan is one of the low-interest loans provided by the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The U.S. Department of Education delivers loan proceeds through the student's school, and parents are responsible for repaying the Department. This booklet answers parents' questions about the loan program, including: (1) Am I…

Issues involved in parental legal responsibility for a child's graduate study costs in the case of divorce are reviewed, and it is concluded that these issues are not inherently different simply because the child is older. (Available from: Fred B. Rothman & Co., 10368 W. Centennial Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, $4.50) (MSE)

Explores education's effects on intergenerational income distribution. Although children's future opportunities are determined by parental educational investments and bequests, public provision of education for all children is justifiable. This paper analyzes optimal levels of public education and taxes to maximize the intergenerational social…

The Department of Justice has ordered private colleges to turn over financial records for an inquiry into whether they violate federal antitrust laws in the way they set tuition and award financial aid. The practice of exchanging information about applicants so students receive comparable financial-aid is being investigated. (MLW)

A cooperative, interinstitutional plan offering individual tuition accounts based on lump-sum payments as a means of saving for college expenses is proposed as an alternative to loan options, savings bonds, and tuition futures. (MSE)

Describes how 28 private colleges have endorsed a set of policies designed to preserve need-blind admissions. The group agreed on guidelines for the formula used to calculate a family's ability to pay for college, resulting in more aid for more needy students. (EV)