Primer on Economics for Financial Aid Professionals

This invaluable resource familiarizes readers with basic economic concepts relevant to understanding college enrollment and financial aid. It also analyzes the need analysis system from an economic perspective, focusing on the equity and logic of components of the formula.

Economic reasoning does not lead to consensus about hard choices, but it can help people to think more analytically and more comprehensively about the pros and cons of these choices. Economic theory has a lot to say about both equity and efficiency, and using limited funds efficiently increases the options for creating greater equity and better opportunities for more students. 

Like the 1996 and 2004 editions, this fully updated primer can help those involved in administering financial aid — federal, state, institutional, or other — to better understand the work they are doing, use sound judgment, and advocate for constructive modifications of the need analysis system.

This book is available via pdf or in an interactive e-Reader format through the RedShelf platform. You will have immediate access to the book upon purchase; no printed copy will be sent. The new e-Reader format offers you the ability to highlight, take notes, and create flashcards right in your book. To get started, visit our FAQs page.