Access to and participation of blacks in higher education is described, selected federal programs are discussed, and many problem areas that will require continued national, state, regional, local, and institutional attention are briefly analyzed. Information on barriers to high school completion, the type of high school preparation that blacks receive, and complications concerning the use of competency testing are briefly discussed. Data were drawn heavily from the Fall 1976 Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) and the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Statistical data are presented on black student enrollment in higher education by various types of institutions, by level of study, by major field of study, and by state. Enrollment data are provided for fall 1976 and for previous years in some tables. Medical and law school enrollment data are also provided. The scope and impact of 18 federal programs sponsored by the U.S. Office of Education that are directly or indirectly related to the issue of access are discussed. An analysis is provided of the extent to which such programs have assisted black, minority, or low-income students to gain access to and participate more fully in higher education. Information on the impact of such programs on blacks is available to only a limited degree because data on participants were not systematically collected by specific racial-ethnic group. Recommendations are included. (SW)