As part of an evaluation of the Missouri master plan for higher education, recent patterns of state appropriations are examined, along with a set of assumptions from which fiscal estimates are developed for the future. Since fiscal year (FY) 1979, the appropriations for higher education did not keep pace with inflation. While Missouri higher education had a 122 percent increase in appropriations during the period 1972-1982, the change in constant dollars was actually a negative 5 percent. Public institutions have had to rely more heavily on student fees, which increased by 65 percent between 1980 and 1983 in the four-year institutions and by 51 percent in the two-year colleges. Data comparing actual dollars appropriated to constant dollars for FY 1979-1984 are included. Bar graphs are presented to compare two estimates of general revenue appropriations for FY 1985 and 1986 with current scenarios of available general revenues. Ten assumptions used to calculate revenue estimates are provided. Appendices include assumptions that are specific to each estimate, followed by an abbreviated calculation of the high estimates for FY 1985. (SW)