Chapters in this collection discuss the state of access to U.S. higher education institutions for lower income students and the status of student aid programs. The chapters of part 1, "College Access Issues for Lower Income Students," contains: (1) "Educational Opportunity in America" (Brian K. Fitzgerald and Jennifer A. Delaney); and (2) "An Issue of Equity" (John B. Lee). Part 2, "Student Aid Programs," contains: (3) "Federal Student Aid in Historical Perspective" (Lawrence E. Galdieux); (4) "State Aid and Student Access: The Changing Picture" (Donald E. Heller); and (5) "Changing Patterns of Institutional Aid: Impact on Access and Education Policy" (Michael S. McPherson and Morton Owen Schapiro). Part 3, "Early Intervention, Remediation, and Support Services," contains: (6)"Pre-College Outreach and Early Intervention Programs" (Laura W. Perna and Watson Scott Swail); and (7) "Beyond Money: Support Strategies for Disadvantaged Students" (David W. Breneman and Jamie P. Merisotis). Part 4, "The Future," contains; (8) "The Demographic Window of Opportunity: College Access and Diversity in the New Century" (Anthony P. Carnevale and Richard A. Fry); and (9) "Policy Priorities and Political Realities" (A. Clayton Spencer). Each chapter contains references. (Contains 16 tables and 24 figures.) (SLD)