The purpose of this study was to trace the development of the Southern Baptist junior colleges from 1927 to 1977. During this period a total of 35 junior colleges were in operation at some time. However in 1977 there were only seven Baptist colleges in six states; of these only one was among the 27 Southern Baptist junior colleges that were operating in 1928. Twelve of these original colleges were closed for financial reasons, one had become a private institution, and over half had become four-year institutions. Most of the colleges still operating in 1977 had been established between 1927 and 1946. Three of these colleges had been first organized as academies, one was a senior college at its inception, and two were chartered as junior colleges. No new junior colleges were established by the denomination after 1946. A secondary purpose of the study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the remaining Southern Baptist junior colleges in terms of finances, enrollments, and curriculum development. Recommendations to improve the viability of the colleges include: emphasis on uniqueness, reexamination of the curriculum, revision of recruiting and admissions procedures, reorganization of resource management, and a closer relationship to the denomination. A literature review and bibliography are included. (Author/MB)