Merit aid is not need-based, but instead based on a college’s subjective evaluation of student’s admissions credentials. Merit aid is often awarded to a student with GPA and standardized test scores higher than the average accepted student at a particular school. While the use of merit aid has grown dramatically in recent years, momentum seems to be slowing. Please read the column on merit aid by College Parents of America president James A. Boyle, and then Share Your Views on Merit Aid with him and your peers, the parents of current and future college students across the country, by leaving a comment below. Thank you for your consideration.

Price increases at both public and private colleges and universities again outpace inflation by a significant margin while students and their families again wait for the answer to a simple question - why? For too long, parents have grimaced and borne the high price of college because they presume that a higher education is key to their child’s success in today’s economy. Surely, the day will come - soon - when parents say enough is enough. Has that day come yet for you? Please share your thoughts on trends in college pricing by leaving a comment below.

Please read and react to College Parents of America President James A. Boyle’s column on how school administrators should demonstrate a greater deal of respect for parents of current and future college parents. We welcome your thoughts on what can be done to promote a culture of greater respect. Please enter your comments below. Thank you.