This paper analyzes changes in educational aspirations and related constructs as an approach to understanding student careers. It explores the effects of beginning postsecondary education in a two-year college versus a four-year college/university, after controlling for background characteristics (gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and measured ability), initial educational goal commitments, and secondary and postsecondary program and performance. Data were drawn from the senior cohort of the "High School and Beyond" database, involving a sample of 2,894 students. Logit model results indicate that beginning postsecondary education in a two-year college increases the likelihood of a downward adjustment in expectations, and that this effect is most pronounced among those initially anticipating graduate study. Includes 30 references. (JDD)