Enrollment trends at 27 historically black and 33 predominately white state-supported colleges from 1976 to 1982 were analyzed to determine if there are any major trends that jeopardize the continued existence of these black institutions. Data on 17 states and 60 institutions were collected through the U.S. Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The states were divided into three regions: southern (12 states), midwestern (2 states), and northern (3 states). An overall 11% decline in student enrollment occurred at historically black colleges between 1976 and 1982, while predominately white colleges experienced a 4% increase in student enrollment. While black colleges experienced a 5% increase in white enrollment during the period, the increase did not offset the decline in black student enrollment. Predominately white colleges, experienced a 21% increase in black students and a 3% increase in white students. Recommendations include: OCR should examine state desegregation plans with the view that enrollment quotas are detrimental to historically black colleges; and states should emphasize methods for increasing the enrollment of whites at historically black state-supported colleges. A list of colleges and statistical tables are appended. (SW)