The focus and purpose of this study are two-fold: (1) to assess, by means of an evaluation questionnaire, the academic quality of and satisfaction with correspondence study programs--causes, instructions, and administrative staff--as perceived by the students who enroll in and complete courses offered by them; and (2) to examine the population itself in terms of who enrolls in independent study courses and connections between various demographic factors such as age, sex, and marital status. Data were taken from a representative sample-in-time drawn from independent study students completing courses at nine midwestern and southeastern universities between December 1978 and April 1979. Among the results reported are: the majority of students rated their courses very good for academic quality; students were satisfied with teacher-student communication; no significant connection surfaced on demographic characteristics; and students reported willingness to take more independent study courses. An identified weakness was lack of active involvement and cooperation of college and university administrators in correspondence study; most students learned of the courses through other students. Appendices include: aggregate results; statistical tables; results of questions on administrative matters; and an evaluative questionnaire and a student data sheet. (LC)