New Mexicans of Native American and Hispanic ancestry participate less often and less successfully in the higher education system than do other groups. This fact has been demonstrated repeatedly in various studies and is exacerbated by a cycle of poverty, inadequate academic and financial preparation for college, and other issues related to traditional "first generation" families. In such settings, regardless of ethnicity, higher education and the resulting economic and social benefits may not be well understood. The complexities of student recruitment and retention to graduation present formidable challenges; the need for improved academic preparation and alignment of high school curriculum and college placement is another issue impacting successful transition from high school to college. This report outlines disparities and confirms the need for intervention. It provides baseline assessments from which to measure progress and provides a vehicle for communicating the magnitude of the problem and its urgency. (Contains 182 figures and 7 tables.) [Document published by the New Mexico Higher Education Department.]