Essex County College identified 758 freshmen as having enrolled for the fall 1976 semester but not for the winter 1977 semester, indicating an attrition rate of 33.6%. Approximately 181 or 23.87% of this population responded to a questionnaire seeking demographic, educational and personal orientation information. Results showed the attrition rate to be similar to the previous year's and the characteristics of the respondents to be as follows: 58% first-time enrollees, 87% residents of Essex County, 49.2% single, 33% married, 69.6% high school graduates, 11.6% non-high school graduates, and 7.7% holders of a General Education Diploma. Respondents were between 17-28 years old and preponderantly of minority racial or ethnic origin. Findings present the non-returning freshman as an individual with definite and positive reasons for attending college, who either wants to earn a degree or to prepare for a job, who is satisfied with his level of awareness and motivation but less satisfied with his scholarship and ability to study, and who cites financial or family problems for not continuing. Counseling assistance prior to dropping out, employment situations, preparation for present position and future study, and assessment of college environment are also discussed. The text is supplemented with 41 tables. (LH)