In response to a 1982 directive by the Florida Legislature, the State Department of Education conducted a comprehensive study of financial assistance programs available to the state's postsecondary education students. The study sought to establish goals for student aid programs which would promote maximum effectiveness of state funding; to determine the extent to which existing programs meet student financial needs and postsecondary costs; and to identify alternative ways through which existing programs and resources could meet the needs of students, their families, and educational institutions. The study design involved a description of the state postsecondary system and its future needs; a historic profile of financial aid applicants and the type and amount of awards granted; an examination of aid programs available; a description of an ideal or desired aid policy; and the identification of possible changes in the existing system. An examination of student and college records, a survey of high school seniors, and interviews with college personnel and students led to 24 recommendations, including that: (1) the existing statutory aid policy should be maintained with modifications; (2) a minimum grade point average of 2.0 should be required for financial aid; and (3) community colleges should be permitted to levy an additional student fee for financial aid purposes. Data on sources of aid, recipient characteristics, student costs, aid awards, sector enrollments and national comparisons, and funding options simulations are appended. (HB)