Measuring Student Resources for Postsecondary Educational Expenses.

The current treatment of student resources in the College Scholarship Service (CSS) need analysis procedures is reviewed, and suggestions for change in these procedures are offered. There is evidence to indicate that some increase in expected contribution from summer earnings should be made, but the amount of such an increase is difficult to determine. Figures derived are: prefreshman, $500; presophomore, $600; prejunior, $700; presenior, $700. Recommendations are made for changes in the current treatment of students' assets in the Parents' Confidential Statement processing system. It is proposed that the current treatment of a student's social security benefits be modified to provide for their inclusion in family income rather than as a student resource. No changes are being proposed in the current treatment for veterans' benefits (i.e., vocational-rehabilitation payments, war-orphan benefits). These are specifically student benefits and are made available to meet the specific costs of postsecondary education, and their inclusion as a part of student resources is believed to be appropriate. (LBH)