A guide to help families estimate college costs and their eligibility for financial aid is presented. Expenses for the 1980-81 academic year are listed for more than 3,200 two-year and four-year, public, private, and proprietary institutions. The guide also outlines the types of aid available and how to apply to federal, state, local, and private agencies that administer financial aid programs as well as to the colleges themselves. Suggestions on application procedures for self-supporting or handicapped students and for students whose parents are divorced, separated, or deceased are included. To familiarize families with the application process, the directory contains samples of the Financial Aid Form and Student Eligibility Report from the Basic Grants program, as well as a bibliography of aid sources, a glossary of educational terms, and a financial aid application checklist. Also described are the principal benefit programs, including social security, veterans' education, vocational rehabilitation, and public welfare assistance. The decision of whether to attend college and the steps to take in choosing a college are also covered. (SW)