This briefing paper presents a synthesis of data on early eligibility determination which provides middle- and secondary-school students and their parents with individualized information about their eligibility for financial aid to pay for higher education. This information is intended to be provided at a time when decisions must be made about postsecondary plans. Its purpose is to neutralize prevalent, distorted and negative information about costs of attendance and availability of financial aid funds that act as a disincentive to low-income families. Although a fully functioning early eligibility determination system is not currently in operation, aspects of such a system exist within many early awareness programs nationwide. Conclusions and recommendations were based on data collected from early awareness experts and Department of Education representatives, and information drawn from materials produced by selected early awareness programs and the Department of Education. The findings show that despite the absence of a comprehensive system, various early eligibility components are commonly used throughout the country to help improve access. The findings also demonstrate that certain structures are necessary to support successful early awareness and outreach interventions and that early eligibility determination needs to be nested in broader postsecondary education encouragement programs, elements of which are outlined in the paper. (JB)