To obtain information about the distribution of financial aid funds to graduate and professional students, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Information developed a survey about specific programs and awards, distribution methods, loan packaging policies, the use of professional judgment, the use of technology in aid offices, and sources of information about financial aid. Responses were received from 537 programs: 214 graduate programs, 283 professional programs, and 40 programs that could not be identified (excluded from the analysis). Findings show that in the 1997-1998 award year, student loans were the most widely used form of financial aid in all programs except theology. More than 90% of student aid recipients in dental, medical, and law programs received loans, compared with 60% of those in master's degree programs at private institutions. Dental programs at private colleges and universities had the highest average tuition and fees, but the average charge for students at public college and university master's degree programs was just $3,407. More than 80% of students in medical, dental, and law programs received some form of financial aid. This compares with about one half of those in graduate business programs. The survey provides much useful information on financial aid packaging and the management operations of graduate and professional programs, but the survey provides little information about the use of research and teaching assistantships, outside sources of aid, and other issues deserving study. (Contains 19 figures.) (SLD)