This third annual survey of the fall enrollment at independent colleges and universities is designed to provide timely information for college presidents and policy-makers. The study utilized the national sample of the Minter-Bowen study, expanded in 1977 to include research universities and two-year colleges. This stratified sample of 135 institutions represents a universe of 1,157 institutions, or all of the independent sector, except autonomous professional schools. The response rate was 100 percent. The following information is presented: freshman headcount enrollment; undergraduate, graduate, and first professional headcount enrollment; percent change in transfer student (excluding freshman) headcount enrollment; and total headcount enrollment. Findings include the fact that freshman headcount increased moderately in fall 1979, up 2.6 percent from fall 1978. Major increases were found at two-year colleges. Graduate student enrollment increased, but a shift in enrollments appears to be occurring that may have the effect of consolidating more students in fewer programs. There was no change in first professional headcount enrollment, and transfer student enrollment increased by nearly 10 percent. Overall, total headcount enrollment has continued to increase, up 1.5 percent from fall 1978. (SW)