The composition of the college population has shifted from a bastion of full-time 18- to 22-year-old students to a far more diverse population that typically works part-time or full-time, has greater family commitments, is over 24, and is juggling various competing responsibilities while attending college. This shift has prompted researchers to examine the challenges that this student body of adult learners face in their pursuit of a college education. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to offer an updated synthesis of empirical findings on the barriers faced by adult learners who are seeking a college degree. In addition, this review offers potential solutions to college institutions to help their adult learners overcome the barriers they face.
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