Issues concerning declining college enrollments of black students are addressed, with attention to: the need for both access and quality, trends affecting college enrollment, and targets for state action. It is argued that black student access to higher education will be a hollow achievement unless it is access to a quality education. At virtually every age and educational level, blacks enroll in school or college at lower rates than whites. A more than 8% decline in the college-going rates of black high school graduates from 1976 to 1982 contributed largely to slowing previous growth in enrollment of black college students. Academic preparation is also a significant factor influencing college attendance. The most definitive studies of high school students show a persistent gap between the academic preparation and performance levels of black and white students. Research has also shown that the types and amounts of financial aid offered to black students play an important role in their enrollment and retention decisions. An important question facing state education leaders is whether current conditions can be changed to increase black college enrollments without abandoning quality improvement. Programs to improve the academic preparation and performance of students through early intervention are a promising approach. (SW)