This paper focuses on the nature of contract learning at institutions set up partially or solely on that basis considering (1) contract learning that takes place as the complete educational experience, and (2) contract learning that takes place as one component of a traditional college or university program. Emphasis is placed on the general nature of learning contracts, the framework for learning contracts, nontraditional student profiles, contract learning as a program component, and program evaluation. A 31-item bibliography is included. (Author/MJM)