The junior college is examined from three aspects: institutional characteristics, student characteristics, and prediction of student academic success. Each of these topics is documented by several research articles. Measures of 36 college characteristics were intercorrelated for 581 junior colleges, and the geographical distribution of characteristics is discussed. The experiences and achievements of junior college graduates from 29 colleges showed that the majority planned to transfer to a 4-year college, worked for part of their two years at college, commuted to campus, and were generally satisfied with their college. For 102 colleges, student characteristics were correlated with characteristics of the college environment. High school seniors planning vocational education were compared with those planning to go to college and with those having no educational plans. The academic potential and college grades of junior college freshmen were compared with those of freshmen in 4-year colleges. The predictive validity of ACT (American College Testing) data for junior colleges is reported. Transfer and terminal junior college students were compared with respect to college grades, high school grades, and ACT scores. (MS)