Guide to college costs and aid

The degree to which the dollar is beginning to dominate students' choices in higher education is highlighted by publication of a new book by Peterson's Guides.

The ''College Money Handbook'' is billed as the only book that describes the cost and financial aid picture at 1,700 four-year colleges in the United States.

Each entry gives a summary of undergraduate financial awards and lists the availability of both need and non-need aid at the institution under consideration.

In addition, a series of directories lists colleges by category of scholarship and by such money-saving programs as athletic grants, ROTC, co-op arrangements, and guaranteed tuition or tuition repayment plans.