Although participation of Hispanic-Americans in higher education is growing, the Hispanic share of participation (enrollment and degrees) is still far less than the Hispanic share of the U.S. population. Indeed, the college enrollment rate among Hispanics aged 18-24 declined to 16.2 percent in 1990 from a high of 20.4 percent in 1975. During the same period, the college enrollment rate among all non-Hispanic Whites in the same age group increased to 36.8 percent from 27.4 percent. Improving the level of educational attainment among Hispanics will require attention to the K-12 experience. These efforts must focus not only on increasing the high school graduation rate among Hispanics, but also on improving the quality of Hispanic students' K-12 experiences. From 1980 to 1990, the Hispanic share of total enrollment and share of total degrees conferred increased for 2-year programs, 4-year programs, graduate programs, and professional schools. Educational, economic, and social factors contributing to the underrepresentation of Hispanics in higher education are outlined. Recommendations for improving Hispanic participation in higher education are offered to teachers and school-district, college, and university administrators. (SV)