Explores the effects of redefining independent students' status in determining eligibility for Pell grants to college and university students. Recent proposals by the American Council on Education and the College Board would undercut parental responsibility and significantly increase the numbers of self-supporting students and demand on student…

Examines whether undergraduate students are incurring excessive debt to finance college attendance. Using data on debt levels for 1982-83 full-time college seniors in California, the study concludes that no more than four percent of dependent students and five percent of independent students have excessive debt. Includes six tables, seven notes,…

The impact of changing the definition of independent student status on demand for student financial aid funds is assessed. The current definition of independent students is based on: the amount of money received from parents, living separate from parents, and not being claimed as a dependent on the parents' federal income tax form. Two proposals…

Reasons for the increasing numbers of independent college students are considered, with attention to the provision for independent students in the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant (Pell) program. The availability of grants to independent students may have two consequences: college students under age 22 with access to parental resources might…

A large survey of postsecondary students in California was used to test the sensitivity of alternate definitions of the independent student population on the number and proportion of independent students, to trace the cost implications of these alternate definitions, and to offer conclusions about the effects of these definitional changes. (MLW)

Definitions of manageable college student debts are discussed and one definition is applied to California data, using the Student Expenses and Resources Survey. Definitions proposed by Daniere, Hartman, and Horch define manageable debt levels in terms of future income. A comparison of the three proposals shows the number of years of repayment…