National normative data on characteristics of students entering college as first-time, full-time freshmen are presented, based on results of the fall 1986 Cooperative Institutional Research Program survey. The data are weighted to represent the population of freshmen. Extensive statistical data are reported separately for women and men, and for 37 institutional groupings, based on the school's enrollment size, degree of selectivity, control, level, religious affiliation, and racial composition. The survey results reveal that freshman participation in the Pell Grant program has declined by nearly half since 1980. There is rising freshman interest in education and business careers and a decline in the proportion planning to pursue careers in computing and health-related careers. Included are a brief narrative summary of results and appendices providing information on the research methodology, the 1986 Student Information Form, the coding scheme for parents' occupations, a list of participating institutions, and a sample survey report furnished to participating institutions. (SW) (SW)