2023

Steven McDowell, Connecticut State Community Colleges

For his book "Basic Guide to Financial Aid,” which assists higher education professionals in enrollment management positions and even new financial aid administrators, gain a fundamental understanding of what goes into the administration of financial aid.

2022

Dr. Stella Flores, University of Texas at Austin

For her work on "Opening The Promise: The Five Principles of Equitable Policymaking" which will inform federal policy making for many years to come. 

2021

Jamie Ramirez-Mendoza and Tiffany Jones, The Education Trust

For their recent work "Using Professional Judgement in Financial Aid to Advance Racial Justice & Equity" released in December 2020, which provides a racial equity analysis of the professional judgement process.

2020

Center for American Progress

For their overall body of work which greatly enhances the lives of students and families – and particularly for their work on "One and Done: Modeling a One-Time FASFSA."

2019

National College Access Network (NCAN)

For its overall body of work, which greatly enhances the lives of students and families.

2019

For contributing greatly to the literature on higher education, revealing the rationale behind accountability and outlining the historical development of how federal and state policies, accreditation practices, private-sector interests, and internal requirements have become so important to institutional success and survival.

2017

Dr. Nicholas Hillman

For his research on the relationship between financial aid and educational opportunity, particularly for underrepresented students.

2016

Dr. Judith Scott-Clayton

For her many contributions to the literature on financial aid, including “On money and motivation: A quasi-experimental analysis of financial incentives for college achievement.”

2015

Dr. Stephen DesJardins

For his ongoing, rigorous research on student financial aid.

2015

Dr. Jacob Gross

For his ongoing work as editor of the Journal of Student Financial Aid and his multiple research studies and policy analysis.

2014

Dr. William Doyle

For his ongoing research to better understand both higher education politics and policy.

2012

Dr. David Feldman

For his numerous important contributions on the complex issues surrounding college costs.

2011

Dr. Laura W. Perna

For her influential research and publications on pre-college and college education, college finance and affordability, and equity in higher education.

2010

Lauren Asher and Alisa Cunningham

For outstanding contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2009

Dr. Susan Dynarski

For contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2008

Dr. Bridget Terry Long

For her contributions to the body of research on state aid programs.

2007

Rupert Wilkinson

For his student aid-related writings including his recent book titled, Aiding Students, Buying Students.

2006

David W. Breneman

For his numerous publications on higher education finance and his service to the education profession. .

2005

Alexander W. Astin and Kenneth Redd

For contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2004

The Institute for Higher Education Policy

For the publication Private Loans and Choice in Financing Higher Education.

2003

Jacqueline King

For contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2002

Jamie P. Merisotis

For contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2001

Donald E. Heller

For contributions to the literature on student financial aid.

2000

Lutz Berkner Susan Choy Laura Horn

For their work at MPR Associates on the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS).

1999

Michael S. McPherson Morton O. Schapiro Thomas G. Mortenson

For contributions to the literature.

1998

Joseph A. Russo

For his 12 years of service as Editor of NASFAA’s Journal of Student Financial Aid and his commitment to the advancement of research in financial aid.

1997

Lawrence E. Gladieux

For contributions to student aid publishing

1996

Sandy Baum

For contributions to the literature, including the 1996 Primer on Economics for Financial Aid Professionals

1995

NASFAA Task Force on Institutional Leadership John T. Casteen, III Rhonda J. Norsetter

A Report to the Leaders of America's Colleges and Universities: Meeting the Challenge of Student Financial Aid and Reference Guide

1994

D. Bruce Johnstone

For contributions to the literature

1993

Edward St. John

For contributions to the literature on student enrollment, persistence, and other topics

1992

Jerry Sheehan Davis

For contributions to the literature

1991

National Center For Education Statistics

Mr. Sam Barbett

Dr. C. Dennis Carroll

Dr. Sandra Garcia

Mr. Paul R. Hall

Dr. Roslyn Korb

Mr. Jerry Malitz

Dr. Andrew Malizio

Ms. Sharon Nelson

Dr. Samuel Peng

Ms. Nancy Schantz

Ms. Josie Shell

Dr. Peter Stowe

Ms. Linda Zimbler

For publications resulting from NPSAS:87 (the first National Postsecondary Student Aid Study)

1990

Thomas G. Mortenson

For policy research publications

1989

David Merkowitz

Sara Melendez

Donna Shavlik

Reginald Wilson

James Murray

Frank H. T. Rhodes

One-Third of a Nation

1988

National Office Communications Staff Jeffrey Sheppard

Madeleine Longano

Maurese Owens

Alicia Montecalvo

Inaugural issues of Student Aid Transcript

1987

1986-87 Research Committee

Jeffrey Baker, Chairman

George Chin

Janet C. Hunter-Holmes

Kenneth R. Ostberg

Leonard M. Wenc

Joan Holland

Annotated Bibliography of Literature on Student Financial Aid

1986

Steven Brooks

NASFAA: The First Twenty Years

1985

Hal F. Higginbotham

William D. Van Dusen

First Survey of Undergraduate Need Analysis Policies and Procedures

1984

Robert P. Huff

Editor, Journal of Student Financial Aid