Describes the 6 recommendations of the National Commission on the Financing of Postsecondary Education, including federal funding of undergraduate education through grants and loans, increase in tuition charges, full utilization of institutional resources, and continuation of tax incentives for voluntary support of higher education. (Author/PG)

Medical student aid programs tied to a service commitment operate in 31 states. Various payback options are available, the most popular being cancellation of financial obligation through service. Although a major program objective is service in underserved areas, little incentive actually exists for service in low-income areas. (MSE)

Through their subcommittee work, William Ford of Michigan and Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island are the two most influential members of Congress on matters affecting higher education. Their viewpoints and accomplishments, particularly with respect to student financial aid programs, are discussed. (JMD)

As the Guaranteed Student Loan Program became a necessity for a substantial portion of students at many schools, statutory provisions were revised authorizing the Office of Education (OE) to regulate institutions participating in the program. Implications of this regulatory responsibility are discussed. (LBH)

The University of Oregon's financial aid director describes the success of the Federal Direct Student Loan program in its first year at the institution. No significant program disadvantages were experienced, and its advantages included flexibility of administration, ease of data management with the servicer, decrease in office workload, and…

A discussion of debt burden, particularly for college students and graduates, looks at recent research, discusses borrower perceptions of debt burdens and excessive debt, analyzes debt-to-income ratios, and synthesizes these ideas into a universal model. Data from a 1990 state survey of borrowers by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission.…

A study investigated the implementation costs of direct lending in 77 diverse colleges and universities, including both increases and decreases in institutional expenditures. Results indicate that start-up costs varied greatly, that the institution's loan volume was related to the cost and savings experienced, and that costs and savings were…

Critical research topics in student financial aid are identified. Four are described: evaluation of student aid's accomplishments and shortcomings, student loans, access for minorities, and college costs. Four "propositions" about public policy and those who make it are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Responding to the cost debate, higher education must look carefully at all the ways its institutions serve the public, then work together to convey that message to labor, business and industry, public officials, school teachers, parents, and others, building constituencies among those with a stake in higher education's success. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated the effect of emergency loans of up to $275 on retention among 504 loan applicants (347 granted and 157 denied) at 1 university. Results indicate the loans had little or no effect on the likelihood of a student remaining in college. (Author/MSE)

This paper examines the use of student loans, a capitalist form of educational financing, in a socialist country, the People's Republic of China. Details of the program, including eligibility, loan amounts, interest charges, administration, and repayment terms, are summarized. The paper suggests that major problems may be encountered in securing…

This article presents arguments in favor of the federal government providing loans directly to higher education students (without intermediate lenders and secondary markets). It explains loan funding, processing, fund dispersal, college responsibilities, and remaining legislative hurdles. It attempts to dispel myths, such as that direct loans…

A study compared college student income and cost of living (housing, food, and some additional expenses) in relation to income at Leeds Polytechnic and five other geographically diverse British institutions. The study was undertaken to assess the need for and impact of a new national student loan program. (MSE)

Discussion of a ruling allowing state agencies to deny new educational loans to students with previous loans discharged in bankruptcy looks at the intent behind the Bankruptcy Code, specifically concerning the nature of educational loans and the "fresh start" policy. Potential conflicts between the state and federal statute is also…