Data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics are the basis for these analyses of student migration patterns in New Jersey. The distribution of out-migrating full-time, first-time freshmen in 1979 is examined by collegiate sector and institutional control. The states and institutions to which these students migrate are also highlighted. In addition, patterns of in-migration to New Jersey institutions of full-time first-time freshmen from out of state are analyzed. The constituency of out-migrants whose choice of college appears amenable to influence through policy initiatives or increased recruiting is delineated. The impact of a reduction in out-migration on systemwide enrollments in the long term is examined, and the economic consequences of out-migration are presented. Significant findings include these: about a third of New Jersey's college freshmen attended out-of-state institutions in 1979, and a higher percentage of full-time, first-time freshmen out-migrated; most of these attended private, four-year colleges, while those who remained primarily attended two-year colleges. In-migrants represented about 7 percent of New Jersey's college population. The systemwide effect of out-migration was found to be significant, and retention of outmigrants could eliminate the projected enrollment decline. Academic reputation/institutional quality is suggested as a reason for over 40 percent of out-migration. The two recommendations made are that the state survey (1) a sample of the state's public and non-public high school seniors about their perceptions of institutional characteristics contributing to reputation and their part in college choice, and (2) a sample of in-migrating full-time first-time freshmen to learn which factors influenced their decisions to attend schools in New Jersey. Nine data tables on in- and out-migration and school selectivity are appended. (MSE)