An Analysis of a Need-based Student Aid Program for Georgia

There is a large gap in college enrollment by family income, and there is evidence that this gap is growing. Yet the benefits of a college education, both for the individual and society, are significant. Encouraging college education in general and closing that income gap in enrollment is a long standing policy objective for the United States and Georgia. One policy aimed at closing the income gap in college enrollment is to target student aid to students with less financial ability to attend college. While Georgia has the HOPE Scholarship, which is a merit-based student aid program, Georgia does not have a need-based student aid program for state residents attending state colleges and universities. This report explores issues associated with establishing a need-based student aid program in Georgia.