DOCUMENT RESUME

This document presents the results of a study designed to determine the racial trends in higher education and to compare these findings with a similar study made in 1968. Highlights of the findings include: (1) 53 % of the black students and 45 % of the nonblack students were women; (2) As in 1968, proportionately twice as many blacks as nonblacks were at least 20 years old when they entered college in 1971; (3) Between 1968 and 1971, the average high school grade averages of both black and nonblack college freshmen rose somewhat; (4) Despite the higher grades, substantial proportions of blacks and nonblacks felt that they needed remedial tutoring, especially in the field of mathematics; (5) Entering black students were more likely than nonblack students to report achievements in extracurricular activities; (6) Typically, blacks and nonblacks were similar in the types of day-to-day activities they engaged in; (7) Proportionately more black freshmen than nonblack freshmen hoped to get a postbaccalaureate degree; and (8) Black students were more likely than were nonblacks to attend institutions that were either very close to home or a great distance away. (HS) wO 2