This monograph describes and analyzes major federal and state student financial assistance programs. Chief among those reviewed are the Basic and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, National Direct Student Loans, State Student Incentive Grants, the Guaranteed Student Loans, College Work Study, and the G.I. Bill. The paper explains how guidelines governing these programs function to effectively exclude working adults from gaining access to the public monies the programs provide, frequently in contravention of Congressional intent. The paper also presents a set of actions to make the programs work for the working adult. The paper is aimed at those in labor, business, government, and education who wish to give these programs the close examination they warrant, and at those concerned to see the education and training opportunity structure for adult Americans broadened in the 1980s. (KC)