The goals and aspirations of 35,950 students who had attended Maryland community colleges were surveyed 18 months after college entry. For first-time credit students who entered college during fall 1982, comparisons were made of two groups who returned usable responses to mailed questionnaires. The first group consisted of 5,133 students who were still enrolled in spring 1985 (currently enrolled or continuing) and the second group consisted of 6,360 students who were not currently enrolled (nonreturning). The statewide and campus followup of students used questionnaires and student records to provide information on: why students attend community colleges, program of study, how they evaluate colleges, credit hours earned at the college, grade point average, employment, student satisfaction, sex and race, year of birth, why some did not return, and how the colleges can help students accomplish individual goals. The typical respondent was white, female, and 29 years old and had enrolled in either transfer or occupational programs. It was found that nearly 67% of currently enrolled students wished to obtain either a college certificate or degree compared to 42% among nonreturning respondents. The nonreturning students gave conflict with job, educational goal achievement, and insufficient funds as the main reasons for not returning to college. (SW)