Federal Student Aid Research
NASFAA's mission is grounded in three key areas:
- Training and professional development of financial aid administrators;
- Public policy and advocacy to increase student access and success in postsecondary education; and
- Communication and collaboration on student financial aid issues.
Research and data analysis are central to each of these priorities. NASFAA is committed to using data to inform decision-making, advance the profession, and strengthen support for students and members.
Research & Data Resources
We are pleased to offer a wide range of research-focused resources:
- Financial Aid Data Resources - Curates a comprehensive collection of federal, state, and institutional data sources to support evidence-based practice and research in financial aid administration.
- Benchmarking Surveys - Provides data on administrative practices, staffing, and budgets to help aid offices evaluate and compare operations.
- Financial Aid Administrator Surveys - Collects insights from aid professionals nationwide to inform policy, practice, and NASFAA's advocacy work.
- Original NASFAA Research - Showcases NASFAA-led studies and grant projects that examine key issues in student financial aid.
- National Student Aid Profile - Offers a comprehensive overview of federal student aid programs and their impact, published annually.
In addition, NASFAA recognizes those who contribute significantly to the field of student aid research through the Robert P. Huff Golden Quill Award, presented each year at the NASFAA National Conference.
For questions about NASFAA's research efforts, please contact the Research Department.
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