The Commission on the Higher Education of Minorities was set up by the Ford Foundation, in conjunction with the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI), to examine the past gains, current status and future prospects of Blacks, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and American Indians in higher education, as well as to formulate recommendations aimed at furthering the educational development of these groups. The main areas of focus in this final report are: (1) a description of the current and recent situation with respect to minorities' access to higher education, choice of institutions and fields of study, and degree attainment; (2) an analysis of factors that influence the access and attainment of minority groups; and (3) an analysis of controversial issues relating to the higher education of minorities. Recommendations for improving minority access to and experience in higher education are offered in the following areas: (1) assessment procedures of minority students; (2) precollegiate education; (3) community colleges; (4) academic and personal support services; (5) recruitment and admissions procedures; (6) financial aid; (7) bilingualism; (8) graduate and professional education; (9) minority faculty and administrator recruitment; (10) government programs; (11) minority women; and (12) program evaluation and further research. (WAM)