Surveys were mailed to matched samples of matriculated (enrolled in a specific curriculum) and non-matriculated (special) students in order that differences in educational goals between these types of students could be examined. Responses were obtained from 74% of those surveyed. Subsequent data analysis indicated: (1) matriculated students were more likely than special students to have educational goals involving degrees or certificates although over a third of each group had goals inconsistent with their status; (2) approximately one-third of special students were seeking degrees and were therefore misclassified by the institution; (3) one in five students were unaware of their status; (4) overlap of goals between matriculated and non-matriculated students included approximately 60% of non-matriculated students and 46% of matriculated students; and (5) overall, students exhibited considerable confusion concerning the nature and uses of the curriculum classification system. These results showed that official enrollment reports by curriculum and program would be misleading and of limited value for purposes of program planning, evaluation, and resource allocation. It was recommended that the entire curriculum structure be reviewed, that the term "special" be redefined, and that all full-time non-matriculated students be encouraged to matriculate in a curriculum. The survey instrument is appended. (JDS)