A discussion of studies regarding 19th century college founding and survival, this paper provides insights into the factors that influence college survival today. It begins with Tewksbury's 1932 history of the founding of American colleges and universities before the Civil War. His book suggested that affiliation with a religious denomination was the major influence in these institutions' founding and survival. A subsequent study reexamined this theory, using the state of Oregon as a case study. An analysis of three periods in the history of Oregon's educational institutions (i.e., the pre-railroad era from 1840 to 1868, an era of growing community support from 1869 to 1904, and a period of increased state involvement from 1905 to 1932) found the following five influences greater than religious affiliation in determining college founding, control, and survival: (1) the effects of local boosterism, geographic location, and population density; (2) the rise of the middle class and its demand for practical education; (3) the development of regional, state, and national transportation systems; (4) the increased involvement and control of higher education by state government; and (5) Oregon's limited support for the development of public secondary schools and community colleges. Contains 22 references. A table of founding/closing dates and initial control of Oregon educational institutions is appended. (Contains 22 references.) (BCY)