Private loans also known as private-label loans or alternative loans, have long been part of the student financial aid equation, but are receiving new attention in recent years. Understanding who gets private loans and their reasons for borrowing these loans is critical for policymaking, but little research has been done. This report explores the…

This report describes student borrowing by comparing different groups of undergraduate borrowers. Two sets of borrower groups are examined: (1) high, medium, low, and nonborrowers as defined by borrowing from all sources in 1999-2000 (excluding federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students and loans from family or friends); and (2) Stafford loan…

Problems with the Reagan administration's proposal for an income contingent loan (ICL) program are discussed. From an institution's perspective, ICLs are likely to be a major administrative headache because colleges would be required to administer it. (MLW)

Explored the demographic and enrollment characteristics of undergraduate borrowers, as well as their risk for not persisting to degree completion and the various types of loans and other financial aid they received. Data are from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. (SLD)

Information on GSL defaults in five states is reviewed: California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Default rates are defined and levels of default are examined using a variety of analytical methods. (Author/MLW)

Between 1991 and 1994, college student borrowing increased by 28% annually, higher than the national rate. The highest rates are among older, part-time, independent, and minority students. Rising debt and rising costs predict a growing problem of indebtedness among students. Social and economic consequences could be severe if this trend continues.…

This background paper on institutional lending examines institutional lender policy in the Stafford Student Loan Program, the study of which was mandated in the 1986 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The paper's particular purpose, however, is to familiarize the reader with the general operation of programs and the historical…

In light of significant restructuring in New Jersey higher education and shrinking public funds, this project comprehensively examined New Jersey's system of financial aid. It was conducted through the compilation and assessment of program data as well as through interviews with several individuals in the New Jersey higher education community. The…

Student financial aid trends from 1980 to 1987 are described in a narrative summary and statistical tables and graphs. Information is provided on 1986-1987 estimated student aid by source (institutional aid, state grants, veterans benefits, Pell grants, federal campus-based aid, Guaranteed Student Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students,…

More than $25 billion in financial aid in 1988 is awarded annually to students attending postsecondary education. The aid covers about the same percentage of college costs that it did in 1970, but the impact of veterans' education benefits and social security benefits is no longer significant, and loans now make up one-half the total aid, having…