This comprehensive guide to financial aid takes college-bound students through a step-by-step process of defining their monetary needs and locating sources of finance to meet those needs. Part I provides "Useful Things to Know," including an overview of college in the eighties, 20 tips for hard times, and misconceptions that can cost time and money, followed by instructions on using the guide. Part II, "Understanding Financial Aid," shows how to calculate the difference between college costs and available resources, and provides a process analysis for developing a need-based financial aid package. It also covers consumer and personal finance aspects, including no-need awards, strategies for attracting financial aid, cash-flow problems, and long-range planning. Part III consists of 13 chapters on diverse sources of financial assistance, including college-based aid; federal, state, and private sources; parental elegibility; affiliations; rewards for excellence; athletic scholarships; money from career interests; money for minorities and women; and special situations. Part IV consists of ideas and tips for lowering the cost of education. A list of additional references is provided along with two appendixes consisting of forms and tables for determining family contributions for dependent and independent students. (TE)