National data on fall 1985 enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities are presented, along with a narrative overview, based on the Higher Education General Information Survey's Fall Enrollment Survey. Information is presented on the percentage changes in enrollment from fall 1984 to fall 1985 for various types of institutions (public, private, private nonprofit, and private proprietary, with subcategories of university, other four-year, and two-year). Enrollment data are also provided by sex, full-time or part-time status, student level, and age group. Over 12.2 million students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in fall 1985; the majority (9.5 million) attended public institutions; compared with fall 1984 enrollment, enrollment in 1985 showed a slight increase at public institutions and a small decrease at private institutions. While the overall enrollment for fall 1985 showed little change from fall 1984, the enrollment of first-time freshmen continued to decline, reflecting the decline of the population of 18- to 19- year-olds. The decline was offset primarily by the increased participation of persons 35 years and older. (SW)