Five of 14 junior colleges in Pennsylvania that have implemented programs of packaged financial assistance to students were studied to examine the effects of the aid in promoting academic persistence and achievement. Four groups of students were studied: aid recipients and non-recipients who earned less than $100.00 from part-time work during the 1967-68 academic year, and aid recipients and non-recipients who earned $100.00 or more in the same period. The study attempts to determine: (1) the personal, academic, and socio-economic characteristics of aid recipients compared with non-recipients; (2) the employment patterns of community college students; (3) whether financial aids make a difference in student achievement and persistence; and (4) if scholarships, grants, loans, and/or employment are given to the most needy or the most capable students, or to those with a combination of need and ability. Community college educators view financial aids as necessary. In the opinion of recipients, aids have a definite value in enabling them to attend college. This study showed that aid recipients, despite a socio-economic handicap, are as successful academically as non-recipients with more money and cultural advantages. (CA)