Recommendations for state and federal policies on need-based student assistance are presented in this position paper from the Education Commission of the States. Student assistance is viewed as one of the most effective ways of meeting state and national goals for expanding access and choice in postsecondary education. The importance of effective collaboration between state and federal level programs to insure that assistance is given to the students who need it most is emphasized. The concept of a federal-state institutional partnership in student aid is discussed. A set of six guidelines is proposed as a policy base. These include recommendations concerning: coordination of programs, accessibility of education, need-based student assistance, the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program, and the state and federal roles in student assistance. Nineteen policy recommendations are advanced for state programs, federal programs, and state-federal institutional partnerships. (SF)