The ways middle-income families pay for college are examined, based on a national survey of student aid recipients, especially traditional undergraduate dependent students. Information is provided on the mix between loans, grants, work, and family contribution, as well as the relationship between federal, state, and college-sponsored aid. Examples of typical financial aid packages for students attending high, low, and moderately priced institutions are included. Findings show that: as income rises, middle-income students are less likely to receive most forms of aid; more than half of all middle-income aid recipients secure Guaranteed Student Loans; the aid packages received by middle-income students do not meet all of the costs of college; and middle-income families must use all available options to help meet college costs. It is concluded that middle-income families rely on their own resources to pay for college, whether through savings, work, or later repayment of loans. Appendices provide data on: the number and proportion of aid recipients receiving financial aid by income level ($15-$25K and $25-$35K), type of aid, and type of institution (public/private); financial aid packages for middle-income students by family income and type of institution; and the number and proportion of aid recipients receiving different combinations of aid. (SW)