The independents have performed a historic function in establishing institutional independence, suggests this university president, and they will continue, under their independent boards, to guard the principle. They save taxpayer money and will continue to do so even though a margin of state aid is necessary. (Author/LBH)

An argument against state aid is offered by a chancellor in the public sector, who suggests that the independents are not badly off financially and that state aid would damage their independent status. The private colleges would also be competing for legislative favor and the principle might be extended to lower education. (Author/LBH)

Independent schools are shown to make significant contributions toward solving some educational problems, to be stimulants for new ideas, and to be instrumental in maintaining diversity and in operating special programs. An argument is made for tax relief for families contributing to both private and public education. (JMF)

Among policy recommendations from ECS: statewide planning should include the private institutions, choosing between a student-centered and an institution-centered approach; top consideration should be given need-based student aid; and Supreme Court precedents on aid to church-related colleges should be studied. (Author/LBH)