Date Approved

5-7-2009

Embargo Period

3-18-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Higher Education Administration

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton R.

Subject(s)

Student financial aid administration; Universities and colleges--Finance

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of administrators towards the new financial aid trend that was initiated by some well-endowed private universities, and its impact on colleges and universities. The study also explored personal attitudes towards need and merit based aid, and recommendations to improve students' accessibility and affordability in higher education.

Data analysis suggests that the majority of administrators have a positive attitude towards the general principle behind the new financial aid trend. However, they stated that this new trend is not broad and that it does not address the financial aid need of most students at other institutions. It was also reported that the new financial aid trend would not impact public universities, but would negatively impact small private universities. Furthermore, the study indicated that the majority of administrators agreed that eligibility for financial aid should be based on merit and need based aid, but with more emphasis on need aid. Administrators recommended that colleges and universities could increase students' accessibility and decrease educational costs, by having clear and defined policies; offering pre-college programs; diversifying their revenue streams; joining services; adhering to the university's mission; and decreasing operational costs.

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