Factors that influence college choice and enrollment patterns in both the United States and England were identified, based on a comparative literature review. It was found that the reasons given by students for attending universities in the two countries are very similar, in spite of the fact that the systems of higher education in these countries are very different. In addition, the patterns of enrollment that have developed throughout the twentieth century show remarkably parallel trends, with the region immediately surrounding the university sending proportionately fewer students to the institution while areas at greater distances have increased their role in the composition of the student body. It is suggested that the resultant patterns of enrollment at English and U.S. universities can be described as being a function of distance decay and may be explained to a large extent by the use of the potential model. (SW)