Data are presented on higher education in the South in 1986, including 67 tables and brief descriptions of the latest available statistics for the United States, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) region, and the 15 individual SREB-member states. Information is grouped under six headings: population, education, and economy; institutions and enrollment; degrees; institutional finances; student finances; and faculty. Findings include the following: enrollment growth in SREB states (6%) is almost five times greater than the nationwide increase, although the college enrollment rate in SREB states is below the national average; more than one-third of the college students in SREB states are enrolled in two-year colleges; part-time students now represent over 40%, and women 53% of all college enrollments; in SREB states, black students represent 14% of college enrollments; the number of black college students has fallen nationwide; about half of the student aid awarded by SREB state-supported programs is based on the financial need of the students, nationwide the figure is 85%; both nationally and in SREB states, the proportion of state taxes going to higher education fell between 1982 and 1984. A list of SREB-member state agencies responsible for coordination of higher education is provided, including addresses, phone numbers, and top officials. (SW)