Abstract
Federal and state student financial aid programs have increased substantially in past years. Such programs have clearly provided greater access to postsecondary education for low income and minority students.
However, data recently collected in Los Angeles indicate that additional financial aid may have a diminishing impact on increasing access. The Los Angeles study, commissioned by the California Legislature, revealed that low levels of academic achievement, inadequate information, and inflexible admission policies are greater barriers to college for the poor than financial need.
Educational opportunity programs, which provide counseling, tutoring, and information services, should become increasingly important in addressing nonfinancial barriers. Yet such programs are often politically unattractive to legislators and administrators who view student grant programs as simpler and less costly.
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Fuller, B. Increasing student financial aid programs: A misdirected means of expanding access?. Res High Educ 5, 27–38 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00991958
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00991958