This survey examines student budgets, distribution of student aid, and the relationship between budgets and aid awarded. Information was also obtained on student characteristics in terms of residence, family income, and marital status; and on reactions to the Nixon administration's financial aid proposals. The results were based on responses from financial aid officers at 81 percent of the 190 colleges in 4 Southwestern states: Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Some of the principal findings were: (1) average student cash expenses for 1970-71 were $2,900 for a private college; $1,900 for a public 4-year college; and $1,600 for a public 2-year college; (2) average aid awarded was $475 to private college students; $184 to public 4-year college students; and $117 to public 2-year college students; and (3) the proportion of total student expenses met by aid awarded was 16 percent in private colleges; 10 percent in public 4-year colleges; and 7 percent in public 2-year colleges. (Author/AF)