Burdman, Pamela. 2005. <em>The Student Debt Dilemma: Debt Aversion as a Barrier to College Access.</em> Project on Student Debt. Accessed on July 26, 2007, from http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/DebtDilemma.pdf. <br />
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This article explores how the increasing shift from need-based grants to loans may negatively affect college-bound students who are averse to borrowing. In particular, the article claims that Latinos, low-income individuals, and those with lower educational attainment are less inclined to borrow, despite financial need. In addition, Burdman suggests that academic institutions could offer more support to students before they decide to take out loans. She finds that high school counselors are only able to answer basic questions about financial aid and are often are not available for consultation. Some community colleges only offer loans to students who request them or only guarantee loan counseling to students once they have decided to borrow. The author suggests that further research is necessary in order to explain how the "debt dilemma" deters students from considering college in the first place, and that survey instruments regarding students&#8218; perceptions and choices about paying for college would enhance knowledge of student debt aversion.<br />
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Mortenson, Thomas. 1988. <em>Attitudes of Americans Toward Borrowing to Finance Educational<br />
Expenses, 1959&#8212;1983.</em> Student Financial Aid Research Report Series. Iowa City, IA: American College Testing Program.<br />
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	Noting the federal government's shift in student aid emphasis from grants to loans during the years from 1959 to 1983, Mortenson relies on Federal Reserve System consumer finance surveys to examine the attitudes of Americans toward loans to finance educational expenses. He finds that Americans are often willing to take out loans to finance college, and educational loans are viewed favorably by 70 to 85 percent of the population over a 24-year period. However, women, older people, the less educated, Latinos, and low-income households are less inclined to take out educational loans. Mortenson suggests that policies should attempt to change attitudes about borrowing among these groups, specifically by improving existing grant programs and developing alternatives to loans.