California community colleges inherit their statutes on interdistrict enrollment from those in force for California elementary and secondary schools. Prior to 1978, statutory restrictions on students enrolling in a college outside the district in which they lived were tied to the method of funding. A 1978 change in funding methodology, followed by the modification of statutes in 1981 and 1982, eased restrictions on interdistrict enrollment. In 1986, interdistrict enrollment was at its highest level in at least 10 years. With the exception of Los Angeles County, unrestricted interdistrict enrollment is the current pattern throughout California. More than one in every ten students (one in five in certain urban areas) attend a college outside their district of residence. Activity is concentrated in a few districts, with one-tenth of all districts accounting for half of the more than 134,000 interdistrict enrollments estimated for 1985. Students who cross district boundaries share the same characteristics with students who enroll in their district of residence. They enroll in colleges outside their district for several reasons, including proximity, specific programs, better programs or a better general curriculum, more attractive facilities, and the characteristics of other students. While interdistrict enrollment does not appear to contribute to program and course duplication, it may constrain the development of certain small colleges, and a large sudden net outflow of students can have a dramatic effect on a large district's fiscal condition. (EJV)