Financial barriers to college attendance that affect women, minorities, low-income, and other nontraditional students are identified, along with alternative sources of student financial aid. Research has suggested that financially-independent students are most vulnerable to fluctuations in aid, and tend to have low incomes, be minority members or women, and have dependents. Women and minority students have special problems, especially in obtaining child care. Since some government agencies have ruled that student financial aid constitutes income, public assistance for low-income students may be reduced. To alert students to economic realities, new linkages with educational, community, and labor organizations should be explored. Aid for part-time students is needed, along with flexible learning opportunities and counseling, including money management. Business should consider targeting more of its educational assistance toward lower-level employees, who are often minorities and others who need career upgrading through coursework. Another way to provide financing for education is through partnerships with business, especially in the areas of workforce training and technological innovation. (SW)