Educational financing patterns of full-time undergraduates in New York State were compared for Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites. Compared to Whites, the minority students had lower incomes, were more likely to be financially independent of their parents, and were more likely to attend the City University of New York (CUNY) or proprietary schools. Minorities more often than Whites exhibited need gaps in excess of $100 between total educational costs and the sum of family contributions plus financial aid. Minorities were likely to receive more need-based grant dollars than were Whites, who were more likely to utilize Guaranteed Student Loans. However, the average total amounts of financial aid awarded for both grants and loans did not differ dramatically by ethnicity. Minority respondents were more likely to consider financial aid necessary to attending college. Special Opportunity Programs for economically/academically disadvantaged students were significant to minority access to college. Findings are shown for the State University of New York, CUNY, the independent non-profits, and proprietary sector. A seven-page bibliography of related reading is provided. Appendices include: questionnaires for students, financial aid administrators, and registrars; and information on sources of income data and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program. (SW)