Using Mississippi and North Carolina as cases, the author examines progress made toward the desegregation of enrollments in public colleges and universities. Enrollment trends are analyzed in the context of contemporary social, legal, and educational policy initiatives intended to desegregate dual systems of public higher education. Despite more than 50 years of desegregation litigation, findings show that enrollment by race across institutional sectors remains considerably segregated. White enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities remains minuscule. Black enrollment at predominantly White institutions has increased noticeably in Mississippi but less so in North Carolina. The discussion is dedicated to understanding what factors most significantly influence policy efforts and distinguishing the notion of integration from desegregation mandates. (Contains 2 tables, 6 figures, and 1 note.)