Student financial contributions toward postsecondary education are examined in this report from the Minister's Task Force in Alberta, Canada. Critical examination of various rationales are made as a basis for determining the directions in which student costs should move. This includes a discussion of social equity, societal investment and benefit, student motivation, personal investment and gain, institutional factors including program costs and enrollment, public opinion, and political, economic, and manpower factors. Two major related issues that are considered include: postsecondary education as a right or privilege, and the benefactors of higher education. An examination of student financial assistance programs in Canada describes programs available and makes comparisons with the Australian system. It is suggested that the most important considerations when assessing student costs are social equity, societal factors, and personal factors. The results of this investigation suggest there is no justification for asking students to increase their contributions to postsecondary education and that possibly student costs should be reduced. It is also noted, however, that public opinion and political factors do not support this opinion. Comments concerning some of the recommendations made by the majority of the task force are included. (Author/SF)