The final report of an investigation of colleges and universities that received substantial support through Title III of the Higher Education Act is presented. The objective was to determine the significant accomplishments that could be associated with the federal or other external investments. Site visits and case studies were undertaken with a sample of 51 institutions, with special attention to selected developmental activities. After an overview of the study, the history of Title III, and the nature of institutional development, characteristics of the sample institutions and development activities are described. Attention is also directed to criteria for selecting institutions that are viable or vulnerable, and factors that influence development. Additional analyses cover a structure for defining and viewing developmental activities as a unit of analysis, and the ways activities may contribute to the broader institutional viability specified by Title III. Finally, the interactions of fiscal, management, and program activities, and implications for Title III are discussed, as are special issues and a model for development. Information on the study methodology, an executive summary, current Title III legislation and regulations, and questionnaires are appended. (SW)