National and New York State trends in both the cost of higher education and the various types of student aid programs are addressed. Data are provided for 1976-1977, 1981-1982, and 1983-1984. Also provided are estimates of the "net cost" of a college education after taking into account various financial resources (e.g., family contribution, student aid, and loans). The objective of the estimates is the development of more specific indicators of financial accessibility than those that are available from simple national or statewide averages. The estimates are presented for four family income categories for both residential and commuter students across both public and private colleges in New York State. Specific data include: average total student expenses; average tuition and required fees; Pell Grant and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards per recipient by income, sector, and institutional type; campus-based aid by institutional type; institutionally funded aid by institutional type; average annual Guaranteed Student Loan amount for full-time undergraduate borrowers; estimated percent of financially dependent undergraduates receiving discretionary aid; and remaining need after family contribution and Pell and TAP awards, by family income. (SW)