Student costs and financing of college were studied in Washington State using the College Scholarship Service's Student Expense and Resource Survey (SEARS). The study population consisted of: (1) full-time undergraduate students and full-time graduate students in master's or traditional doctoral level programs at state institutions; (2) full-time undergraduates at private institutions and all graduate students; (3) part-time and full-time community college students; and (4) full-time proprietary school students. For full-time undergraduates attending each of the four sectors, information is provided on the following student characteristics and aspirations: age and marital status, residency and dependency, housing and travel patterns, class level and grade point average, socioeconomic characteristics, income and work patterns, institutional preference, and degree and career plans. Ways of meeting college costs are addressed, including parental contribution, student earnings, student borrowing, and financial aid. Separate analyses covers: men and women, minority students, graduate students, and part-time community college students. The frequency of borrowing, average indebtedness, and borrowing by undergraduate and graduate students are discussed. The SEARS instrument is appended. (SW)