Meaningful access to higher education is a cornerstone of economic opportunity. Higher educational attainment strengthens the workforce, increases earnings, and often leads to a better quality of life--for individuals and the broader society. Limited financial aid, however, undermines Texans' participation and success in our colleges and universities. Denied student aid, many students and families either postpone higher education or turn to the increasingly unstable student loan market. To remain competitive in the global marketplace, Texas must support students who are seeking higher education. This policy page discusses the underfunding of Texas' financial aid programs and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's strategies to improve educational participation and success. (Contains 3 endnotes.) [Funding for this paper was provided by the Working Poor Families Project.]