An understanding of the forces affecting higher education can contribute to a perspective on the problems and issues facing colleges and universities. The forces are of two kinds: expansive and restrictive. Their basic drives are toward either growth or constraint. One of the major forces has been a generalized desire for more education for everyone. Colleges and universities may be near the point of exhausting the potential enrollment of college-age youth. Growth through increasing enrollment of adults in continuing education provides, at least temporarily, a new outlet for growth. The two areas of research and service are almost limitless but bring new dimensions to the conflict between expansion and restriction. It is concluded that purely educational factors and considerations play a minor role in determining which force wins. (Author/LBH)