The authors investigated the evolution of federal
financial assistance directed toward the middle-
class. Legislative enactments were examined that
have occurred since 1978. The authors reviewed
government funding for higher education regionally
and the resulting disbursement of need-based versus
merit-based financial aid over 6 years, versus merit-
based aid. There appeared to be an increase in
funding on need-based aid and a decrease in merit-
based aid. These trends were not significant but
were consistent in part, with Heller s (2001)
national assessment of trends.
financial assistance directed toward the middle-
class. Legislative enactments were examined that
have occurred since 1978. The authors reviewed
government funding for higher education regionally
and the resulting disbursement of need-based versus
merit-based financial aid over 6 years, versus merit-
based aid. There appeared to be an increase in
funding on need-based aid and a decrease in merit-
based aid. These trends were not significant but
were consistent in part, with Heller s (2001)
national assessment of trends.