In a study released at the beginning of March by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, college students on need-based scholarships were shown to perform as well--or even better than--students who receive no aid. Students at 4-year colleges who had need-based scholarships were just as likely to graduate within 5 years as students without aid. And, the retention and graduation rates of need-based students in community colleges exceeded those of students with no aid.

Why is that important? According to Calvin W. Burnett, the Commission's acting secretary, "It is absolutely clear that an investment in programs to benefit low- and moderate-income students is effective."

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