EN
The problem of the accessibility has been discussed by American scholars, policy- -makers and the public for at least two decades. It is but too easy to notice that tuition, fees and other costs of study grew much above the inflation rate, forcing students and families to carefully plan the educational path of children.3 Starting from the early 1980s the structure of public assistance for students faced an important change. State governments, traditionally responsible for providing access to education and securing money for students in need, lost its share and federal programs became the main source of support. The situation, however, changed so dramatically, that the federal government could no longer avoid political discussions and decisions.