Number 261 (Story #4), March 6, 1996 by Phillip F. Schewe and Ben Stein PHDs ARE UP BUT 1ST-YEAR STUDENTS ARE DOWN , suggesting a coming downturn in physics PhDs at U.S. universities. A new AIP report, "Enrollments and Degrees Report" (January 1996), shows that physics PhD production continues to rise: 1481 were granted in 1994, compared to 1369 the year before. But the number of 1st-year graduate students is down 22% at PhD-granting institutions and juniors are down 13% since 1992. (For more information contact Patrick Mulvey, 301- 209-3076.)