THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY INCOME AND THE 'NET PRICE DIFFERENTIAL' TO ATTEND PUBLIC OR PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN 1982

his study examined the "net price" to attend institutions of higher education throughout the United States. Both public and private institutions were included in the study. The problem addressed was: "Was the 'net price differential' between the public and private institutions of higher education proportionate by income sector for the 1981-1982 academic year?".;In addition, a qualitative analysis of public policy was completed to determine the extent to which existing aid distributions adhered to stated public policy.;The major finding of the quantitative analysis of data proved that there does exist a disproportionate net price differential between the public and the private sectors. It was further determined that the greatest differential was in the lowest income sectors. The statistical significance of the mean differences in net price also proves that the actual cost of higher education is disproportionately burdensome for those least able to pay the cost.;The qualitative analysis of public policy produced findings which indicated that there does not exist a clear definition of purpose for federal legislation related to student assistance. Public policy in this area will continue to be ineffective as long as social demands dictate the purposes of funding decisions.;The study included a quantitative analysis of data obtained from the National Institute of Independent Colleges and The Association of State Colleges and Universities. A sample of 120 independent institutions and 80 public institutions was drawn from the national data bases. Analysis of individual student aid records by income categories at...