Funding and Distribution of Institutional Grants in 1999-2000: Results from the 2001 Survey of Undergraduate Financial Aid Policies, Practices, and Procedures

Abstract

In 1999-2000, postsecondary institutions awarded more than $10 billion in institutional grants to undergraduates. Since 1990, institutional spending on grant aid has grown by more than 84 percent in inflation-adjusted value. This rapid expansion has led to several important questions: How do institutions fund their grant programs? What criteria do colleges and universities use to award grants? Are institutional grants still being directed toward students with demonstrated financial need? This article uses data from the 2001 Survey of Undergraduate Financial Aid Policies, Practices, and Procedures (SUFAPPP) to help answer these questions about institution-based financial assistance.