A mailed questionnaire was used to gather information about Montana's tribally controlled colleges and to determine: (1) what influenced students to attend the tribal colleges; (2) what their educational goals were; (3) whether the colleges assisted students in meeting goals; and (4) the degree of student satisfaction with college programs and services. A random sample of 1,472 students was drawn from the 4,420 students enrolled during each fall quarter from 1981 to 1985. From this sample 289 survey forms (20%) were completed and returned. The most important factor influencing respondents' participation at tribal colleges was that they considered other colleges to be located too far from home. A majority of respondents had practical career or advanced educational goals as well as personal development goals--to learn for learning's sake and to enrich their daily lives. In all cases, respondents indicated that the colleges had assisted them in meeting their goals. Overall, 94.7% were somewhat or very satisfied with their colleges. The greatest discontent--expressed by one-fourth of the respondents--was with availability of needed courses. Among students who left the tribal colleges before completing their educational goals, home responsibilities was the most frequently cited reason, followed by personal problems and insufficient money. (JHZ)