Projecting the future for U.S. community colleges into the early 21st century involves projecting the future for the United States in general. Based on trend data, it can be expected that the number of community colleges will not change, except to the extent that public universities organize additional two-year branch campuses or community colleges upgrade satellite centers to full campus status. Their mission will not change either, as their role in career, collegiate, developmental, and continuing education has become well accepted by the public and by state-level coordinating and funding agencies. Increases in community college enrollments will cause the number of associate degrees awarded to increase at a faster rate than currently as strengthened matriculation and attendance requirements reduce the percentage of casual attendees. These increases will also result in a slow increase in the number of faculty, although the ratio of part- to full-time faculty will remain stable at 40 to 60. In terms of governance, the trend toward greater state-level coordination will continue at a relatively slow pace. Finally, because capital funds will be in short supply and states will be unlikely to increase allocations to community colleges by more than a couple of percentage points each year, colleges will increasingly find outside sources for funding. The prognosis for the collegiate curriculum is good. The linkage aspect of the collegiate function, centering on preparing students to enter junior-level programs leading to bachelor's degrees in health fields, business, technologies and the professions will thrive. (Contains 11 references.) (MAB)