To identify characteristics of existing associate degree nursing programs, a descriptive questionnaire was mailed to 218 programs in state-approved schools of nursing in the United States, its territories, and possessions. The questionnaire was designed to gain information on background characteristics, organization and administration, students, faculty, curriculum, resources and facilities, and graduates. A 93 percent response resulted in these major conclusions: (1) The programs are generally in schools that are regionally accredited, although they have, as a rule, not received peer accreditation from the National League for Nursing, (2) Students are predominantly female, sgle, and 20 years of age or older, (3) During the first year following graduation, graduates generally work in hospitals, and few continue their education in nursing or non-nursing programs, (4) A higher proportion of directors than of instructors have earned master's or higher degrees and have had formal preparation to teach in community colleges, and (5) The number of potential graduates is reduced by admission criteria, applicant decision not to enter, and student withdrawals. (SB)