Graduate and professional education in the United States is reviewed, with particular emphasis on recent trends in doctoral study in the arts, sciences, humanities, and engineering. Master's programs and the professions are also considered. In examining the range and diversity of graduate education, attention is directed to the size of graduate education, the kinds of programs, degrees, and graduate institutions, as well as the characteristics of graduate students. Other specific concerns are as follows: (1) trends in applications, enrollment, and degrees conferred over the past decade, with special attention to trends for men and women and part-time students and foreign students; (2) differences in the trends observed for professional programs, and differences among academic disciplines, particularly at the doctoral level; and (3) patterns of financial support, particularly for doctoral students, including fellowships, assistantships, loans and the major sources of support (e.g., federal, state, institutional, and private). Finally, the major sources of information on graduate and professional education are considered, and recommendations regarding data collection and analysis are offered. Trend data and approximately 50 references are appended. (SW)