This report presents information on how the United States compares with a selected group (N=34) of both industrialized and less developed nations in its spending on higher education and college participation rates. Highlights of the report include: in 1985 the United States spent the highest percentage (2.4%) of gross national product (GNP) on higher education; five countries ranked higher than the United States when overall education spending was measured as a percentage of GNP; with more than 5% of its population enrolled in higher education, the United States had the highest college participation rate; in 1985 the United States spent nearly $8,000 per student in higher education (surpassed only by Denmark); if research and auxiliary enterprises are excluded, U.S. spending would be reduced by about 20%; taxpayer support of higher education in the United States is proportionately lower than in other countries, contributing less than half of total spending per student. Implications are drawn and include the need to consider both spending as a percentage of GNP and spending per student, the correlation between less public support and higher participation in the United States, and the need for better data collection. Graphs and tables detail the report's findings. (DB)