In order to stimulate discussion of the future of postsecondary education in New York State, issues and options are suggested to consider in developing institutional plans for the 1980's. They may be incorporated into the Board of Regents statewide plan. The role of the state in financing higher education is discussed, with tables showing recent state appropriations to institution groups and related state agencies and student aid programs. Revenues are also presented. General considerations in formulating postsecondary education financing strategies are examined: fiscal prospects of the state, inflation, economies of scale, institutional autonomy and program interrelationships, and coordinating with federal programs. Discussed briefly are relationships between financing mechanisms and objectives in the state, ranked according to their effectiveness in theory. Some alternative financing mechanisms are proposed: the Tuition Assistant Program, a grant program with a sliding scale for family income, merit-based scholarships, the Bundy Aid program to independent colleges, aid for disadvantaged students, appropriations for public institutions, special grants for endangered institutions, institutional transition grants for colleges and universities changing their missions or program mixes, institutional planning grants, support for graduate programs and research, special construction and renovation grants, student loans, centers of excellence grants, student information services, and medical and dental school aid. Suggestions are given for developing a financing strategy and resource calculations. A brief list of references is included. (MSE)