How did we get here?
This documentary series provides insight into the origins and milestones of several financial aid programs as we ponder future direction and navigate foreseeable roadblocks to policy innovation. Learn from key experts about the history of financial aid in American higher education. Let’s look back to move forward.
Today
- In 2014-2015, the federal government gave $128 billion in financial aid to students.
- Approximately 2 million college students eligible for financial aid – specifically a Pell Grant – never apply.
- The total amount of outstanding federal student loan debt has more than doubled since 2007.
- There are currently eight different repayment options for federal student loans.
- The Pell Grant Program currently serves 9 million students at an annual cost of over $30 billion; up from $11 billion to 4.8 million students over a decade ago.
- Funding for work-study and other campus-based aid programs have stagnated in recent years.
To learn more about the film participants, please view their biographies here.
What do you think about the films’ reflection of student aid history? Visit Lumina Foundation’s page to join the conversation.