Key issues affecting Hispanic participation in higher education are evaluated, with attention to access, retention, and transfer. Societal factors influencing access are also covered: migration, technology, employment and income levels, and secondary schooling. In addition, postsecondary education in Puerto Rico is addressed. Hispanics constitute 6.4% of the population in the United States, but only 3.7% of undergraduate, 2.2% of graduate, and 2.3% of professional school enrollment. In this regard, Hispanics fare worse than Blacks and Asians. In 1980, Hispanics earned 2.3% of all bachelor's degrees and 3% of all doctorate degrees awarded in the United States. At present, a majority of Hispanics attend community college. These students, generally, neither transfer nor receive degrees. Current financial aid policies have reduced Hispanic access to sources of student aid, since there are more applicants and declining resources. In addition, increasingly complex application procedures and stricter eligibility requirements act as a barrier to access for Hispanics. There is a need for improved community college instruction and counseling, as well as better coordination between two- and four-year colleges. The overwhelming number of Hispanics enrolled in four-year colleges are Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico. (SW)