A key objective of the Pathways to College Network is to disseminate effective, research-based practices and policies that address access and managing college costs. As part of its effort to inform parents, families, students, and policymakers, it has compiled here a few of the key principles and strategies that underlay a well-focused financial aid approach. The chart in this paper reflects these principles and strategies along with indicators of federal, state, and institutional responsibility. Key findings include: (1) The fundamental purpose of student financial aid at all levels is to assist financially needy students and assure that they have access to and choice among higher education institutions without regard to ability to pay; (2) Financial aid is an integral component of an overall P-16 strategy to facilitate college access and success; (3) A well-grounded state financial assistance program is student-oriented, integrated with state tuition and financing policies as well as with federal and private aid programs, accountable and appropriate for the goals it serves, transparent and predictable, and reinforces students' readiness for college; (4) Federal, state, institutional, and private partners must invest more equitably and efficiently in college success skills for students from all backgrounds; (5) Expanding access to and opportunity for a successful postsecondary experience for all students who are prepared and desire to attend is essential to the nation's social progress and economic prosperity; and (6) Accountability for outcomes of investments in pre-college and college support programs, as well as financial aid, should focus on measuring the degree to which student access, persistence, and success are increased. (Contains 10 sources.)