Throughout their history, most black institutions of higher education have struggled against debilitating circumstances: antagonistic communities and legislatures, poverty, poorly prepared students, competition from white colleges, and program duplication with white institutions. In the period of serious desegregation at the elementary and secondary levels, a different approach has been needed for higher education. Two broad alternatives have evolved: elimination of marginally successful black colleges, or enhancement of their programs and desegregation efforts. A variety of approaches have been taken to the concept of enhancement. Some, such as funding for more efficient management, emphasizing the institution's unique role, and changing the school's name, have a negative aspect. Others are more positive: deliberate placement of attractive programs in black institutions, improvement of student quality at entry, employment of able faculty to attract good students and funding to support their efforts. Simple infusion of extra money to black colleges may be necessary for states to disregard formula or budget guidelines and provide some "catch-up" funds to correct years of under-funding. It may also be necessary to provide the administrator with discretionary powers to adjust procedures and policies to clearly benefit the institution and its students. In sum, it is essential not to eliminate black colleges, which have fulfilled their purposes well in general, despite difficult obstacles. (MSE)