Borrowers' Uncertainty Has Colleges in Quandary

By BEN GOSE

To keep enrollments up, institutions help families cope with the loan crisis

The crunch in the student-loan market, a weak U.S. economy, and declining home values are all conspiring to make this an unpredictable year for college enrollment.

Most of the attention this spring has focused on fears that loan companies will depart from the federally guaranteed student-loan program. But students and parents have other worries. Some middle-income families have found it cheaper in