Unequal opportunity shapes the patterns of access and success in postsecondary education. Only a concerted effort by federal and state policymakers, educational providers, and other interested stakeholders can bring about the changes that lead to more equal opportunity in postsecondary education. The research-based evidence in this report represents the knowledge base for the strategic direction of the Lumina Foundation as it works to improve postsecondary education. The report documents the extent to which inequity is present across four dimensions of postsecondary access and success: preparation; awareness; financial issues; and institutional responsibility. Information on these four dimensions will be a springboard for the Foundation's program and research agenda. (SLD)