This article examines problems with the student loan program from an institutional perspective, in the context of reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It raises questions for evaluating reform proposals; presents seven key principles for student loan reform; and offers suggestions for a pilot program addressing direct lending,…

This article reviews student loan programs around the world; notes the problem of financial inefficiency, particularly in developing nations; discusses strategies to improve loan program performance, such as program targeting and avoidance of hidden subsidies; and considers alternatives to student loans based on principles of deferred payment. (DB)

This article describes current structures of educational finance in Uganda (where college students are supported by the government, whereas families must pay a substantial portion of elementary and secondary costs); considers arguments for increased cost recovery and the introduction of student loans; and examines obstacles to student loans in…

Next year, Congress will begin the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, which governs the major student aid programs and other categorical support for colleges and universities administered by the Education Department. Major reauthorization issues include degree of access in Pell program, aid based on manpower planning, etc. (MLW)

A survey of 468 practicing family physicians, general internists, and pediatricians examined relationships between educational debt and specialty choice, practice location choice, and types of patients treated. Results indicate that the high costs of medical training promoted rural work and care for poor patients by prompting generalists to commit…

Analyzes data showing the progress made by historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in reducing student loan default rates and discusses implications of the Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 on the development of HBCU default management plans. Identifies continuing barriers to higher education for minorities, including poor…

Investigated the impact of student characteristics and financial aid awards on degree completion rates of 2-year college students. Found that less than one-third obtained their degree, less than one-tenth of completers had a high school GPA of less than 2.0, federal loans and work study were positive predictors of degree completion, and federal…

The cost of student loan defaults is a growing problem. At the beginning of this century, defaulted student loans exceed $25 billion (Student Aid News, 2001). In addition to the costs borne by the taxpayer as the federal government purchases defaulted accounts, there are costs incurred by schools, lenders, loan servicers, and guaranty agencies for…

During spring 2001, Noel-Levitz created a student loan default model for the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The goal of this project was to identify students most likely to default, to identify as risk elements those characteristics that contributed to student loan default, and to use these risk elements to plan and implement targeted,…

The crisis of affordability in higher education is intensifying. Illustrations of its resonance abound: from the frequent news articles describing and amplifying the crisis and its sources to legislators' and candidates' proposed responses. Republicans' responses tend to be mainly punitive toward institutions; Democrats' proposals are more…

America's higher education system is among the best in the world. Nevertheless, there is scope for improvement. In particular, there appear to be substantial financial barriers to higher education despite large government expenditures aimed at promoting access. Policy makers have proposed addressing these barriers by increasing student grants.…

This paper examines some of the factors that affect the college choice of students from low-income families, specifically as it relates to college costs, and presents the results of a qualitative study on the factors that motivated the college attendance and choice of eight students from low-income families enrolled at a small, moderately…

A study was conducted on the number of legal immigrants that received student financial aid for higher education, the amount of aid they received, the states in which they lived, and the types of schools they attended. The study focused on Pell grants and Stafford loans and used data from Department of Education recipient files for academic year…

This publication presents information regarding higher education opportunities for minorities and women, focusing on scholarships, grants, loans, internships, and fellowships. Section 1 contains general information about books, brochures, lists, and publications that describe a variety of higher education opportunities, many of which solicit, give…

This speech by President William Clinton addresses the 1996 graduating class of Princeton University on the occasion of Princeton's 250th anniversary. After his opening remarks, the President touches on the importance of the graduating seniors' education as well as the importance of education in general to the nation's future. He compares the…