Student financial aid trends from 1980 to 1986 are described in a narrative summary accompanied by statistical tables and graphs. Information is provided on 1985-1986 estimated student aid by source (institutional aid, state grants, veterans benefits, Pell Grants, federal campus-based aid, Guaranteed Student Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, and other federal programs. Data are also presented on federal, state, and institutional aid awarded to postsecondary students in current and constant dollars for 1980-1986 (actual and estimates); amount of aid per recipient and number of recipients; costs of attendance by type of school; aid through grants, loans, and student employment; ratio of college costs to income; and percentage distribution of Pell and campus-based aid by type and control of institution. Appropriations for the following federal aid programs for fiscal years 1980-1986 are also covered: Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, College Work Study aid, National Direct Student Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, and State Student Incentive Grants. Included are a note on constant dollar conversion and information on the sources of the data. (SW)