This paper analyzes the recent and past demographic, economic, political, and social causes of community college enrollment trends. It also discusses the effects on enrollment of proximity and low cost; the reclassification of existing institutions to two-year college status; community college usurpation of functions formerly provided by other institutions; the new majority of part-time students; the drift toward serving all persons over 17 years of age; the redefinition of the term "student;" and the strategies of recruitment, relaxed admissions and grading policies, and falsifying enrollment data for funding purposes. The implications of all these factors on the future functioning of the community college are noted. Tables indicate community college enrollments in selected states (fall 1974), population and registered births in the United States (1935-39 to 1970-74), nationwide full-time and part-time community college enrollments (1969-73), full-time and part-time female community college enrollments (1972-74), student headcount enrollment by instructional program area in Illinois public community colleges (1968-74), and enrollments in California public colleges, community colleges, and universities (1973). (DC)