The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to describe factors that nontraditional nursing students reported as helpful in their success in the nursing program. Two men and eight women took part in structured one-time interviews. Structured interviews were conducted with the participants in settings that were chosen by the participants. The interviewer asked about the students perception of the challenges they faced on a daily basis as they went through the nursing program. They were then asked how they coped with these stressors while in school. The interview guide was used to draw discussion to several areas that the literature had identified as important to success in an educational program. The data were transcribed and coded using the software program for qualitative data analysis, NVivo. When participants discussed how they coped with the stress of college, four major themes emerged in analysis of the datum. The major themes described by participants were social support, organization, spirituality, and challenges. Sub themes under social support were friends, teachers, personal motivation, and family. Sub-themes under organization were multi-tasking, and team work. Organization was important not only for the student, but the teacher's organization of the course influenced the success of the student. Sub-themes under challenges included stress, family and friends, working while in school, second time in college, financial concerns. The minor themes that emerged under the classification of support were peer group, study groups, student services, and financial support from family or financial aid programs. The current study was in one midwestern college and is limited to that population; however, several implications can be drawn from the analysis and discussion with these students. Students used a variety of ways to cope with the stress of college and other life experiences. Educational programs need to be aware of the needs of the nontraditional student and provide opportunities to ensure their success. Educators need to be aware of the needs and challenges of the nontraditional student and provide support and mentoring to achieve success in the nursing program. Educational programs for the educator are an effective low cost way to increase educator awareness and increase student retention. Knowledge of the factors that contributed to success in this population may be tested in other groups of nursing students at the Associate Degree level. Providing nontraditional students with the support and skills they need to succeed would lead to greater retention rates for nursing programs and increased success for the student in meting their career goals. [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.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]