Developments and trends in the education of black undergraduates in predominantly white colleges from 1973 through 1977 were assessed by three national surveys. Almost 800 black undergraduates at a representative sample of 40 predominantly white, four-year colleges were interviewed during each survey. Attention was directed to academic performance, resegregation, student educational and socioeconomic background, finances, special admissions, level of satisfaction, and post-college plans. In 1973 the top three characteristics that black students considered important in their choice of college were: financial aid (53 percent), proximity to home (50 percent), and academic reputation (48 percent). By 1977 the pattern had changed: academic reputation (64 percent), financial aid (39 percent), and proximity to home (38 percent). The findings indicate that black students are an extremely diverse group both in backgrounds and attitudes. Analyses were conducted in relation to sex, the racial composition of high school, parents' income, parents' education, college selectivity, public versus private colleges, urban versus rural, and region. By 1977 there was a decreased tendency to view the black community as an inherently disadvantaged environment, and a sizable proportion of black undergraduates were considered traditional students rather than nontraditional students (i.e., educational preparation and socioeconomic background). The overwhelming majority of black students complained about levels of black enrollment and employment at their colleges. A bibliography and questionnaire are appended. (SW)