After a critical review of research which deals with various aspects of aspirations, expectations and educational attainment, this study attempts to determine the social psychological antecedents of black educational levels of aspiration. The study is based upon data colledted from black sophomore students at a large, predominantly white university in the southeast. Variables considered include sex of respondents, grade point average, socioeconomic status, contact with whites, and subjective ability comparisons. Measures of educational aspirations and expectations are assessed. Multiple regression techniques are used in analyzing these variables. Findings indicate that the aspirations of black students are closely related to their expectations and suggest that social background plays an important role in the formation of aspirations and expectations for post-baccalaureate schooling, but not for the formation of grade point average expectations. It is concluded that black students do not link grade point average to schooling as white students do because of values acquired in a distinctive subculture. Implications of these findings for educational policy are discussed. (Author/EB)