Financial issues remain a concern in the higher education literature. From the early to mid-1990s, cost containment was viewed as the primary solution to strapped finances. Several factors altered the higher education landscape in the latter part of the 1990s as the stronger economy benefited many campuses. This economic upswing cannot last forever, and some campuses are anticipating a downturn in the economy. A review of the literature on finance in higher education revealed some trends: (1) an increase in public funding; (2) the use of funding priorities; (3) focus on faculty salary issues; (4) use of profit sharing; (5) use of multiple financial strategies; (6) new revenue generation; (7) the proliferation of for-profit higher education; and (8) increased marketing. Although it is often difficult for researchers to keep up with changes in practices and market conditions and to provide educators with needed information, innovative ideas are shared in the literature about promising models. This type of sharing is profitable for the collective future of higher education institutions. (Contains 15 references.) (SLD)