Another Plan For Overhaul Of Federal Student Aid

The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) today issued a white paper calling for major changes to the way federal student aid is applied for, allocated, delivered, and communicated, as well as to how colleges are held accountable for the taxpayer funding they receive.

Federal grants, loans, and tax benefits help millions of students and families pay for college every year.  TICAS’ in-depth analysis of available data and recent research found strong evidence that financial aid can and does increase college enrollment and completion.  It also identified many aspects of current federal policy that must change to narrow persistent and growing income gaps in enrollment and outcomes.  Aligning the Means and the Ends: How to Improve Federal Student Aid and Increase College Access & Success was developed with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Reimagining Aid Design and Delivery project.

“When it works as it should, financial aid enables all students willing to study hard to go to college and get a quality credential without burdensome debt,” said TICAS president Lauren Asher. “Federal aid can and must do more to keep college within reach for all students and families.”