Converging with one another, they are certainly not the only forces pressuring colleges. But unlike some of the others--such as the impact of technology on teaching and research--they are not yet receiving ample attention. And, taken together, they pose an enormous challenge that, if neglected, will mean serious trouble for higher education and the United States. Conversely, the more effectively colleges respond to such trends, the better off they and the nation will be. These five trends are further discussed in this article.