This study addresses the question of whether a State system of higher education based on different tiers (a community college system and a State university system) provides equal access and opportunity for minority students. Specifically, the study investigates access distribution, retention, and progression of minority students using Florida community colleges as the entry point toward the baccalaureate, graduate or professional degree. The report provides a history of Florida public community colleges and an analysis of the study's methodology. Data are presented regarding: (1) the distribution and enrollment trends and patterns in the Florida system of higher education; (2) undergraduate enrollment and number of degrees granted in the community college system; (3) the progression rate from community college to the State university system; (4) enrollment of students in the State university system; (5) estimated numbers of transfer students in the State university system; (6) retention and persistence of transfer students, especially blacks, in the State University; (7) the distribution of bachelor's degrees among black and white graduates; and (8) the racial and gender distribution of enrollment in two Florida law and medical schools. (Author/APM)