In the context of the privatization of higher education, this study examines the possible role of state finances in promoting equal educational opportunities. Through the combined use of a national representative database and a state finance database and the application of hierarchical generalized linear modeling methods, this study found that state funding of need-based aid was positively associated with college students' chances of persistence, while findings regarding state funding on non-need-based aid are mixed and merit further research. (Contains 9 tables and 4 notes.)