This review of the literature from higher education concerning compensatory education focuses on those programs and practices that help disadvantaged students enter institutions of higher education as well as those designed to help them succeed once enrolled. Recruitment, admission, and financial aid practices to help disadvantaged students enter institutions of higher education were discussed as well as instructional programs in basic communication skills, tutorial programs, summer programs, evaluation, cultural enrichment programs, ethnic studies programs, and special guidance and counseling services designed to assist the disadvantaged once they enroll. The main focus of the paper was to examine the nature of, and extent to which, these compensatory practices and programs actually exist in 2-year colleges. (Author/AL)