This study was undertaken to answer questions about the growing movement toward interinstitutional cooperation in higher education. After a brief discussion of the recent history of and rationale behind the growth of consortia, data on the 1,017 consortia under consideration are presented. Information is included on institutional size and control, consortium size, geographical distribution, areas and types of cooperation, and academic level. How these variables interrelate is discussed. Evaluation of the reasons for the success or failure of particular consortia is followed by conclusions concerning the organization of consortia, interchange of resources, geographical distribution and financial support. Recommendations are made for future studies. Appendices contain tables, a history of the development of the survey, and the questionnaire. (JS)