Expenses at 3,500 schools and colleges are identified, and information is presented on student financial aid, estimating financial need, and managing money. College costs are based on the following: tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, and transportation. The following financial aid sources are examined: Pell grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, National Direct Study Loans, College Work-Study Program, service academies, Reserve Officer Training Corps, Bureau of Indian Affairs, state government programs, financial aid from the college, Guaranteed Student Loan Program, veterans' education benefits, vocational rehabilitation benefits, and help from private student aid sources. Information is included on the need analysis form and other applications that may need to be completed. Working one's way through college and stretching resources are addressed, along with strategies for cutting costs, including reducing the time involved in earning a degree and prepayment plans. Appended materials include: 1985-1986 student expenses by institution, a glossary, worksheets and tables, information sources about state grant programs and the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, colleges listed alphabetically, and a list of colleges that offer tuition and/or fee waivers and special tuition payment plans. (SW)