Controversy over whether rising college costs or recent federal policies have adversely affected opportunities for postsecondary education, especially among low income and minority students, is noted. A study examined the competing claims that (1) there are enrollment increases among all students (even minorities) and (2) enrollment is far lower for low income and minority students than advantaged groups. Changes in enrollment and persistence for various types of students are described. The study saw the need for a clear analysis of trends in postsecondary education. It took the perspectives that: policy discussions about equity and opportunity must examine the progress of individual students over time; and studies of enrollment are a first step to documenting trends in postsecondary education. Two major sections look at: (1) changes in postsecondary education (immediate enrollment after high school, cumulative enrollment in each year after high school graduation, and total enrollment after 4 years); and (2) changes in persistence in postsecondary education (immediate entry into postsecondary education and entry at four time periods). Each section concludes with a brief examination of multivariate models for enrollment and persistence. It was found that the record of the 1972-82 decade was mixed. The decade had a positive overall trend in postsecondary enrollment, with large increases for all groups between 1972 and 1980. Upward trends were particularly notable for women, minorities, and students of low socioeconomic status. In contrast to this general picture, however, trends in persistence were downward for all types of students. A technical appendix is included. Figures and tables are included. (SM)