| Today's expanding global society has caused changes in the needs of the workforce as well as the level of skills and education required by various jobs across the United States. While the number of jobs demanding a post-secondary degree increase, the U.S. output of college graduates has not kept pace. A previous leader in secondary and tertiary educational attainment, the U.S. has been outperformed by other countries in recent years. Specifically, the State of Hawaii has experienced a decline in college-going rates over the last decade. Affordability has been identified by the literature as a potential barrier for students, particularly low-income students, to attend college.;This research study adds to the literature by studying factors which may inhibit application for financial aid by low-income students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the research campus of the University of Hawaii public higher education system. The focus of the study was on students newly enrolled on the campus and their attitudes toward college financial assistance. Specifically, students' perceptions of the information available about financial aid and financial aid resources as well as their attitudes toward the financial aid application process were studied. Overall, it was found that information about financial aid and financial aid deadlines was readily available to students but that they needed to be compelled and motivated to apply, including feeling that they could not attend college without aid and that they would qualify for aid. In addition, the application process was very difficult and laborious, but students felt that it was worthwhile to apply. Persistent support and external pressure (i.e., from parents or siblings, counselors, etc.) were essential to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.;The findings from this study will help policymakers and educational leaders to develop policies and programs to increase application for financial aid by low-income students. Ultimately, it is recommended that federal policymakers simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, that state officials support educational institutions in their quest to assist students to enroll in college, and that college and high school educators work together to provide mandatory sessions that motivate students to go to college and give practical, hands-on assistance to apply to college and apply for financial aid. |
