The computerized financial aid application editing system used at the University of South Carolina to ensure efficient processing and maintain quality control is described. The monitoring system is based on standardized codes derived from national need assessment services and consists of 18 edit checks and an interface between the admissions and…

Results of a survey of Utica College financial aid applicants revealed that the families of 67 percent have verified pension plans, with coverage varying by income level, type of employer, and occupation. A review of the Uniform Methodology, unchanged despite recent changes in laws governing accumulation of assets for retirement, is recommended.…

It is now possible to use the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, along with the College Work-Study program, as a tool to restrict unreasonable borrowing for the majority of students who need financial assistance. A new aid packaging methodology initiated by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is described. (MLW)

The needs of the nontraditional learner, particularly access to postsecondary education, are not being met, and one barrier is unmet financial need. One solution is to increase the awareness of the nontraditional learner of alternative resources which may reduce his/her need and allow institutions to better allocate their funds. (MLW)

A study of 89 Basic Educational Opportunity Grants requiring validation disclosed some disheartening data: an overall total understatement of $54,982 in adjusted gross income and a total overstatement of $1,164 paid in U.S. income taxes. This data was compared to the institutional cost of the validation process. (MLW)

Since need analysis represents the basic foundation for awarding financial aid, Ohio established a committee to acquaint new financial aid administrators and support staff with the uniform methodology and the construction of student budgets. Workshops are described and evaluated and schedules are provided. (MLW)

The relationship and effects of financial aid packaging on college grade-point averages is examined. The need to reduce the subjectivity of packaging student financial awards is emphasized. (MLW)

Student employment, it is suggested, may have a surprising effect on student retention. Two studies that confirm the potential impact that employment can have on student persistence are discussed. Financial aid officers may consider altering traditional awarding strategies regarding college work-study eligibility. (MLW)

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)

Both parents of aid applicants have the primary obligation to contribute to their children's educational expenses before public and private funds are awarded. It is suggested that Basic Grant, state agencies, and national services should change their instructions, and that government agencies need central collection and analysis of each parent's…

Data from a comprehensive questionnaire to identify the types and sources of undergraduate student aid expenditures in Michigan in the 1976-77 fiscal year are provided. Need-based and non-need-based expenditures from federal, state, institutional and private sectors were included in the surveys. (MLW)

A study that sought to determine by what means and with what frequency Boston College undergraduates with unmet financial aid need actually financed their educational expenses is reported. Parental contributions, student earnings, student borrowing, and other methods by which students may have filled the gap are considered. (JMD)

A study investigated the appropriateness of colleges awarding student aid based on student recruitment objectives as contrasted with traditional need analysis. Subjects were 1,658 prospective students who applied for financial aid at a mid-sized comprehensive university. Results indicate that traditional aid policies are effective in attracting…

Comparison of federal need-analysis formulas for student financial aid in 1992-93 and 1993-94 focused on elimination of home/farm equity from calculations, parent contributions, and Pell Grant awards. Results suggest higher unmet need and lower Pell Grant awards, and imply that the most needy students may lose gift assistance to more affluent…

Examined whether there is evidence of gender bias in the awarding of institutional aid to students, controlling for academic ability and need. Found no direct evidence of bias when examining the relationship between student characteristics and aid, but when examining institutional characteristics, indirect implications suggested that gender was…