To determine whether tuition increases would adversely affect enrollments in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), the status of VCCS tuition and enrollments and tuition's role among college enrollment planning variables were examined, and the variables that influence student enrollment trends were analyzed. The study revealed that the $300 tuition charged by VCCS in 1977-78 was the median value for community colleges in the 14 Southern Regional Education Board states. An examination of VCCS tuition in relation to state per capita income and fall headcount enrollments for the years when tuition increased (i.e., 1970, 1972, 1976, and 1977) showed increases in enrollments; increases that were doubtlessly influenced by factors such as the maturation of "baby boom" children and an increasing inflation rate. The study also focused on trends among enrollment planning variables, including: (1) the decline in the number of traditional college-aged individuals; (2) the increase in the percentage of students from older (24 to 34 years) age groups; (3) the increase in the percentage of part-time students; and (4) the greater sensitivity of older, part-time students to tuition increases. Finally, the study indicated that while student financial assistance can help offset the effects of higher tuition, the number of awards from federal sources and their dollar amounts are leveling off or decreasing. (JP)