An analysis of three decades of data from national samples of entering college freshmen reveals that (a) there are substantial socioeconomic inequities in access to the most selective U.S. colleges and universities and that (b) American higher education is more socioeconomically stratified today than at any time during the past three decades. The…

A study investigated whether effects of volunteer service during undergraduate years persist after college. Data were drawn from 12,376 students attending 209 institutions, who were followed up four and nine years after college entry. Results show that even when precollege service participation is controlled, student volunteer service during…

Data from an annual national survey of college freshmen indicate the women's movement has had dramatic effects on educational aspirations, career plans, behavior, and values of young women entering college and equally dramatic effects on attitudes of both men and women toward women's roles. One consequence is that current male and female freshmen…

Critiques written by J. Bruce Francis, Gerald Gurin, Arthur W. Chickering, and G. Lester Anderson of Astin's "Four Critical Years" are discussed. Points of agreement and contention between the reviewers concern the effects of college on students. (SF)

It is suggested that the lack of funds made available to higher education researchers has contributed to the dearth of postsecondary education research. Improved communication between researchers, changes in the administration of federal support, and increased attention to fundamental research questions are urged. (SF)