The Advisory Commission for the Study of Public Support for Postsecondary Education in Maine reviewed the financial problems facing Maine's private higher education institutions and the impact of increasing student costs at Maine's public institutions. The text of the state legislation creating the Commission is presented, along with a summary of the 1972 Amendments to the Higher Education Act, and the text of state legislation relating to public policy on higher education. Among the financial problems identified are a sharp increase in costs to the student, rising tuition for students attending public institutions, and underrepresentation in the University of Maine System of students from low-income families, according to a 1972 analysis. Alternatives to tuition increases include tuition based on need, tuition by level of instruction, and tuition waivers. After reviewing federal aid programs and other methods of providing financial aid, the Commission proposes a new Maine State Student Incentive Grants Program. Provisions of the proposed programs are outlined as follows: eligibility for incentive grants, determination of need, determination of grants, schedule of reductions in grants, initial and continuation grants, and administration of the incentive program. Appended materials include a 1967 report of the Advisory Commission for the Higher Education Study, information on constitutional questions regarding aid to private institutions, facts about enrollment and public support of higher education in Maine, and data on parents' contribution based on family income and family size. (SW)