This is a four-part study designed to describe programs aiding minority or low income students at various institutions of higher learning in California, both public and private. Findings, major questions, and recommendations are summarized after the preface. Chapter One provides an introduction to the problem and furnishes background information for the study. Chapter Two defines the Economic Opportunity Program, describes the disadvantaged student, and presents information on the Program's implementation at the University of California and at California State Colleges. Chapter Three depicts special programs in community colleges and private institutions. Chapter Four provides an evaluation of the programs and presents possible sociological implications. Appendices provide questionnaires from which research data were derived. (NF)