This report, part of the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study, provides information about the three-year persistence and degree attainment of students who began their postsecondary education in 1995-96, with a primary focus on students who started at less-than-4-year institutions. The report finds that many of the differences in the enrollment experiences of beginning students at private for-profit and public less-than-4-year institutions reflect differences in the type of program. Eighty percent of students in private institutions began in vocational certificate programs, while about 80 percent of students in public institutions began in associate degree programs, which take longer to complete. Nevertheless, attainment rates for both vocational certificates and associate degrees were much higher for students who began in private institutions. Compared with students in the public sector, those in private institutions were more likely to focus on gaining job skills; had degree goals specific to the programs offered at the first institution attended and were less likely to intend to transfer to a four-year college; were more likely to attend full time; and completed their certificate or associate degree programs in a shorter time period. Appended are a glossary, technical notes, and methodology. (RH)