A comparison was made of nursing students entering five nursing schools (three diploma programs, one associate degree program, and one baccalaureate) in the Memphis, Tennessee, area in 1974 and 1975. The study was undertaken to compare nursing students in three levels of nursing education on five clusters of variables deemed to influence learning characteristics, style, and outcome and, hence, also the clinical competencies and attitudes which might be expected of the three types of R.N. graduates. The variable clusters studied were biographical, personality values, cognitive structure, environmental perception and reaction, and attitudes toward nursing. Five instruments were used for data collection. Results indicate little difference between the nursing students of the three levels at the beginning of their programs, during the course of their programs, or at graduation. (Data tables and copies of the instruments are included.) (BB)