The background, career and educational aspirations, and attitudes of 148 female freshmen in the Arkansas Ozarks were studied to determine reasons for underachievement and lack of commitment among females of this region. Comparisons were also made to responses of 54 male students. All respondents were residents of 29 hill counties and attended either two- or four-year institutions. Attention was directed to: attitudes toward success, families, and working women; family and extra-family support; comparison of parents' education and careers and the students' plans; desired size of community or current hometown; mobility; career choice (traditional/nontraditional); multiple role expectations; expected participation in activities; and salary expectations. Comparisons to findings from the literature and implications of the study findings for career education in Arkansas are examined, along with results of administering the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Generally, respondents desired careers that required more education and paid higher salaries than their parents achieved. Many of the female students desired a nontraditional career and were willing to relocate. Appendices include statistical tables and a questionnaire. (SW)