Provides multiple workable solutions financial aid offices can offer students throughout their college experience to deal with debt: preventive solutions for avoiding problems with credit card debt, holistic solutions for other related problems, and remedial solutions for existing problems. (EV)

Reviews issues surrounding college tuition discounting, and outlines sources of confusion, defines various discount types, provides historical background prior to recent changes in fund accounting rules, describes the new rules' impact, outlines different uses of tuition discounting by three groups, and applies the accumulated definitions to an…

The California State University, Fresno financial aid office developed an income matrix to determine whether a dependent student would be eligible for a maximum Basic Grant award. The matrix can be derived in a few hours, used throughout the academic year, and can reduce man-hours needed to re-compute indexes. (JMD)

A staffing formula for college financial aid offices is presented. The formula assigns staff and clerical positions according to three components: number of students (at least half-time); number of applications for aid received per year; and the dollar amount of funds administered. (JMD)

An institutional research model used at Washington University is outlined and other practical suggestions are offered to financial aid administrators inclined to conduct similar research. The original study assessed the effects of loans on students after leaving school. (MSE)

Advantages of locally-funded, short-term, small, emergency student loans for both institutions and students are outlined, and its increasing importance as a form of aid is noted. A list of questions for financial aid administrators to consider before making such a loan to a student is provided. (MSE)

Counseling and advising should be an integral part of the financial aid services offered to students, involving giving accurate and complete aid information, assisting students in integrating financial issues with personal and academic concerns, and making appropriate referrals. Good counseling techniques are essential in providing an effective…

Suggestions for changes administrators can make to assist students in debt management include (1) administrator willingness to expand his/her role and help other officials accept the change; (2) establishment of programs in financial counseling, debt management, and debt counseling; and (3) exploration of creative ways to finance educational…

Suggestions are given to help the student financial aid office develop its own systematic approach to (1) processing information received on private sources of financial aid; (2) conveying this information most effectively to students; and (3) assisting students in locating private funds. (Author/MSE)

A survey of financial aid officers in 50 state universities concerning information dissemination about graduate student scholarships is reported. Specific suggestions are given, e.g., establishing a computerized or microfiche system to organize information for individual or printout access, increasing publicity by a variety of means, and getting…

Three primary goals a family should have in planning for college include: to gain more resources to meet college costs; to limit the cost of education; and to make college payments as comfortable as possible. Loans, special programs, income shifting, gifts, and trusts are discussed. (MLW)

A process of work-study job placement at the University of South Carolina which improves the efficiency of program management is described, including a preliminary campus survey, a manual for employers, and a job board from which students can select preferred jobs. A sample job advertisement and award letter are included. (MSE)

In the context of recent federal investigations and prosecutions of purported student financial aid price fixing, this article offers colleges and universities a model antitrust policy addressing financial aid, tuition, and faculty salaries. Specific guidelines on exchange of different types of data (historical, tuition information, salary levels,…

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,…

It is recommended that student financial aid administrators undertake more research to improve their knowledge and control of their programs, understand the effects of policies, and help correct beliefs and attitudes. Choosing a research topic, creating credibility, and writing a complete report are discussed. (MSE)