Contemporary American college students are compared with students of the 1960s, whose actions have become points of reference for discussions of the pre-1960s and post-1960s. Longitudinal studies are reviewed that indicate the gap within the generation of young people in 1969 was greater than the gap between the generations. The campus was becoming highly politicized, with a large proportion of students sharing the views of the minority group of revolutionaries. A 1971 study noted a change in mood, away from personal despair and depression. The 1973 students seemed more prepared to accept or at least work within the established political lines and had more confidence in society. Striking differences are noted between entering in 1966 and those in 1973, with increases in interest in business fields and decreases in engineering. Increasing numbers of women and minority students are cited. Problems in the job market are seen, and opportunities in the 1970s are outside the traditional professions, concentrated instead in government administrative and management fields, business management, sales, advertising, and other service industries. Developments in student attrition rates are also discussed. (JMF)