Non-traditional learners are currently the majority of students in higher education. One segment of this population are millions of adults with some college credits and no degree. Every year, the 400,000 students who leave college join those millions. When adults attempt to return to school, they experience low graduation rates. Despite over half a century of adult learning research, higher education is still not able to meet their needs. Given the significant individual and societal benefits, this study aimed to contribute to national efforts to increase degree attainment by exploring the phenomenon of adult degree completion. Nine women who earned degrees as adults were interviewed about their experiences. Phenomenological methodology was employed to produce descriptions and themes that illuminated what and how participants experienced degree completion. The findings aligned with literature about situational, dispositional, and institutional barriers that adults face. Unstable early college experiences and shifting financial, family, and relationship roles emerged as common reasons for patterns of stops and starts. Repeated attempts affected self-esteem but internal motivation was the primary driver of success. Findings also aligned with participation models supporting the assertion that institutions cannot remove all barriers, but can mitigate the impact with flexible policies, programs, and services. Finally, participants indicated that the personal value of the degree was the most important outcome. Overall, findings indicated that higher education may benefit from exploring ways to support adults not only when they are enrolled, but when they cannot be enrolled so that they have pathways to return. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]