The Effect of Tuition and Aid Regimes on Postsecondary Perceptions in High School

• In Event: The Influence of Policy on College Choice

Abstract

Using the High School Longitudinal Study, this paper examines states’ position on the Tuition and Aid continua to determine the effect of High Tuition/High Aid regimes on perceptions of college affordability in high school students. Using a 12,083 students across 10 representative states, this study finds mixed evidence of the direct influence of the interaction of tuition in aid on perceptions of college affordability and plans. However, we do find that when tuition and aid are both high that students begin to perceive it as less of an affordable option and cease their plans. This finding is supported when we isolate High tuition/High aid states and find that it reduces Bachelor’s plans among 11th graders.

Authors

• Erin Dunlop Velez, RTI International

• Thomas Austin Lacy, RTI International