In 1985, Johnson County Community College (JCCC) coordinated a 5-year longitudinal study of representative groups of students at all 19 Kansas community colleges. The study sought to document the academic and career progress of the students from first entry into college to subsequent experiences after leaving the community college. Each college randomly selected 50 to 100 representative first-time, full-time freshmen who agreed in writing to have their progress monitored over a 5-year period. Data were gathered regarding student characteristics, college choice, educational experiences, and satisfaction. Major study findings included the following: (1) the majority of the respondents described their teen economic status as middle class; (2) full-time employment increased substantially from 1985 to 1990, as did the tendency to be employed in a job related to long-term career goals; (3) the top three factors influencing the decision to enroll at a Kansas community college were convenient location, low cost, and availability of scholarships or financial aid; (4) enrollment exhibited a normal decline over the 5-year period; (5) over 75% of the former students who responded to the 1990 survey had achieved their fall 1985 educational objective; (6) the majority of the respondents studied more, engaged in school-related activities less, found the coursework more interesting, and felt the quality of instruction was better in college than in high school; (7) nearly 90% indicated that their community college experience had improved the quality of their life; (8) approximately 84% expressed satisfaction with their personal growth and development throughout the 5-year period; and (9) respondents who had attended a four-year college as well as a community college were more satisfied with the four-year institution's variety of courses, career preparation, social life, and job placement services. Selected verbatim comments, the participation agreement form, and sample surveys are attached. (JMC)