Survey: State fails poor collegians

[carzen]

A recent measure of college affordability shows Alabama doesn't measure up, and in a big way.

Figures show only 1,400 Alabama students out of 74,000 who need financial aid receive help from the state. It should be no surprise -- the Alabama Commission on Higher Education reports that $1.7 million was allocated for needs-based financial aid last year.

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ACHE spokeswoman Margaret Gunter said the $1.7 million is totally ineffective for providing financial support to students in need.

"Measuring Up 2006," a national education analysis by the California-based think tank, brings Alabama's higher education system under fire for not supporting poor students and was described as in need of major reform. Affordability was a problem for 42 states, but in giving Alabama an "F" on the issue, the report clearly shows just how poorly Alabama is doing compared with top-performing states.


http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061009/NEWS/610090311/1001