This report combines syntheses of prior research with new analyses of previously collected data to address trends for minority group participation in higher education over the past 25 years. Two chapters focus on the aggregate impact of individual choices and behaviors in college attendance. Chapter 1 describes trends in minority enrollment and degree attainment at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Chapter 2 deals with two types of institutions of higher education that together enroll a substantial portion of the minorities who pursue a college education--the historically black colleges and universities. and urban community colleges. The next two chapters look at institutional practices related to the participation of minority students. Chapter 3 reviews data associated with factors that have been hypothesized to account for the relatively lower college participation rates of minority groups as compared to whites. Chapter 4 concludes the report with a review of various programs that institutions have developed to enhance minority student preparation, enrollment, and continuation in college. Twenty-eight tables and a brief description of the High School and Beyond Study are appended. Includes 62 references. (DB)