State fiscal woes hit colleges.

Persistent state fiscal problems have created a domino effect that is taking a toll on college enrollments, a survey by the American Council on Education (ACE) has found. While the number of college and university students nationwide rose slightly in the fall of 1992, total enrollments in seven of the 19 states that were surveyed dropped or held steady, compared with fall, 1991. In addition, enrollments in four-year colleges fell in 10 of the states. Enrollment losses affected private as well as public institutions. Three states reported steady or lower registration in both sectors. Five states had fewer students or the same number in their independent institutions, while another five experienced a reduced enrollment only in the public sector.

The survey found a strong correlation between state appropriations for higher education and college and university registration. Total enrollment held steady or dropped in Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio. Of those seven states, five appropriated less money to higher education than two years ago and one provided the same amount. Only Mississippi posted an increase, at three percent. Conversely, among the seven states that recorded the largest enrollment increases--Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas--six...