Designed to establish a framework for current and future documentation of FM radio in institutions of higher education, this study examined the state of noncommercial FM radio stations affiliated with colleges and universities. Topics investigated included: (1) basic descriptions of institutions housing noncommercial radio stations; (2) operating budgets; (3) station organization and personnel; (4) station operating hours; (5) station programming; and (6) station philosophies. A survey was sent to 670 college and university stations throughout the United States; 268 were returned for a response rate of 40%. Of these, 243 (90.75%) were completed adequately, including 51 National Public Radio-affiliate (NPR) responses. Findings indicate that stations receive financing from a combination of sources--general college funds, student funds, departmental or school funds, and other sources such as underwriters. A wide range of operating budgets was reported; from $600 to $1.5 million per year, with the average NPR budget at $345,000 per year. Of 239 stations reporting, 197 (45%) reported having full-time technicians versus 132 (55%) which had some type of part-time technical help; 88% of the NPR stations had full-time technicians compared with 33% for the non-NPR stations. NPR stations operate 364 days/year while non-NPR stations reflect the academic calendar, often closing down during summers and vacations. Programming is not standardized. While 179 (78%) indicated a specific sound or format, they covered the range of music from jazz to AOR (album oriented rock) to free form to fine arts. NPR stations broadcast more news and public affairs-oriented programming and tend to play classical music and jazz. Suggestions for future research are provided and a list of references completes the document. (JB)