This report examines recent national and Illinois trends in college tuition and fees, instructional costs and state support, indicators of economic conditions and families' ability to pay for colleges, and student financial aid. It also includes general affordability goals for Illinois higher education and recommendations on keeping college costs affordable. The report demonstrates that, between 1985 and 1995, tuition and fees charged to students attending public universities, community colleges, and private institutions increased at rates greater than inflation. Substantial increases in state and federal student financial aid programs were not sufficient to offset these increases for financially needy students. The report recommends that governing boards must consider multiple factors when implementing tuition and fee increases, such as cost to students, students' ability to pay, and the availability of financial assistance to offset costs for certain students. Two appendixes contain the Illinois Board of Higher Education's goals and policies on student affordability and a series of tables on college tuition and affordability trends. (MDM)