This report examines key questions related to the provision of educational opportunities by community colleges to those who are able to benefit from the experience. Chapter I discusses the different meanings of educational access and explains how different implications for public policy stem from various definitions and standards. Chapter II presents information on the extent to which community college access has been achieved in terms of fulfilled aspirations, expectations, enrollments, and student costs. In Chapter III, the limits of student access are explored in the context of financial constraints and conflicting needs, the cost and effectiveness of programs, and the effects of various policy and non-policy factors on access. Chapter IV then looks at community college practices that influence educational access and suggests that colleges can do much to promote educational opportunities for students. Chapter V discusses the likely importance of access in the 1980s, identifying the conventional arguments for continuing various educational programs and outlining the changing emphasis of policy makers. After a summary of findings and observations in chapter VI, chapter VII presents the main conclusions and the policy implications of the report. Appendices include a discussion of the determinants of community college attendance and tables illustrating student demographics and costs. (HB)