In a set of 10 papers this volume explores nationally pressing issues in higher education, particularly financial and access issues, by examining those issues in the New York State's higher education system. The papers are: "Factors that Have Shaped Higher Education in New York State: A Historical and Current Perspective" (William C. Barba and others); "Economic Pressures and Trends: The Challenge for Higher Education" (Patrick J. Bulgaro); "Learning Productivity: A New Imperative for American Higher Education" (D. Bruce Johnstone); "Community Colleges of the 1990s: Living on the Fiscal Edge" (Stuart Steiner); "From Land Grant to TQM: The Cornell Experience" (Frank H.T. Rhodes); "Current Status and Future Prospects of Independent Higher Education in the State of New York" (Patti McGill Peterson); "Public Higher Education in New York: Turmoil, Tuition, and Technology" (Richard F. Rothbard); "A Legislative Perspective on Higher Education and the New York State Budget" (John B. Sheffer, II); "The State Education Department and Higher Education in New York: What Role Lies Ahead?" (Donald J. Nolan); "Old Arguments, New Questions: Can American Higher Education be Reshaped?" (William C. Barba). An index and information on the contributors are included. (Most papers contain references.) (JB)