A study of the dynamics of institutional development for colleges and universities serving low-income students is summarized. Specific study objectives were as follows: to determine the general factors associated with the direction of development (growth, stability, stagnation or decline) for institutions receiving substantial support from Title III of the Higher Education Act; to identify developmental activities that seem to be serving their function well, in terms both of federal intent and institutional needs and purpose; to ascertain the types of impacts and consequences that these activities might have on institutional condition; and to identify the factors associated with positive impact and consequences. Twenty publicly-controlled and 32 privately-controlled institutions were selected randomly from those with prime Title III grants effective in the 1981-1982 academic year. This sample included 27 traditionally black and 24 nonblack institutions, and 10 two-year and 41 four-year institutions. Each institution was asked to nominate up to 12 development activities that had made a positive difference with activities to be drawn from each of three areas: fiscal, administrative, and educational and support program improvement. Findings at the institutional level and at the activity level are summarized. (SW)