In spring 1984, a study of the socioeconomic characteristics of California's community college students was conducted in order to determine the impact of a recently imposed mandatory fee as measured by changes in student ethnicity, income, and academic load. A stratified random sample of 10,247 students from 62 of the state's 105 community colleges was surveyed. Study findings, based on a 69% response rate, included the following: (1) three of every five students were self-supporting; (2) both self-supporting students and students who were financially dependent upon their parents reported median incomes below the median for all California; (3) 80% of all students were working; (4) 33% of all students reported that they intended to transfer to a four-year institution, and nearly 50% were enrolled for occupational skills; (5) the racial and ethnic backgrounds of community college students were comparable to those of all Californians, except that Asians were overrepresented and Hispanics were underrepresented; and (6) of every 10 self-supporting students, 3 had never married; 5 were currently married; 2 were divorced, widowed, or separated; none lived with parents; 6 rented; 4 owned their own homes; and 8 worked. Extensive data tables and the survey instrument are included in the study report. (EJV)