Discover the intricate history of financial aid in America with the insightful book ‘Aiding Students, Buying Students: Financial Aid in America’ by Vanderbilt University Press. This comprehensive volume offers a lively social and economic narrative exploring the conflicting purposes of student aid throughout the decades.

The journey begins in 1643 with the very first scholarship donated to Harvard University, setting the stage for a complex evolution of student assistance. The author, through meticulous research, has delved into archives and conducted interviews across 131 public and private institutions throughout the United States. This extensive groundwork allows readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of student aid as it has developed over the centuries.

In the words of Joe Paul Case, Dean and Director of Financial Aid at Amherst College, ‘Wilkinson has mined the archives of dozens of institutions to create a mosaic that details the progress of student assistance from the 17th century to the present.’ This book is not merely a recounting of facts; it challenges readers to think critically about the nature and purpose of financial aid in today’s educational landscape.

The author examines the origins of need-based assistance, tracing its roots from the charitable benevolence shown by early colleges to the complex, regulation-laden policies of the federal government that define the current landscape. Moreover, the discussion provides a thorough consideration of institutional motives, questioning the egalitarian claims made by affluent colleges while highlighting the economic forces that threaten the viability of need-based aid at less competitive institutions.

The book also delves into the recent trends in the provision of aid, informed by numerous personal interviews and exchanges with financial aid practitioners. This aspect enriches the narrative, offering a contemporary perspective that complements the historical analysis.

In conclusion, ‘Aiding Students, Buying Students’ is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of financial aid in America. It engages with the past while providing insights into the future of student assistance, making it a crucial addition to the library of educators, policymakers, and students alike.