This phenomenological qualitative study examined the student experience in an online course for Youth Formerly in Foster Care (YFFC), specifically, the challenges in learning in an online course and the environmental protective factors and personal strengths utilized to successfully complete an online course with a C or better. YFFC lag behind their peers in educational outcomes, including college completion rates. YFFC may be interested in the flexibility provided by online courses because childcare and the need to work are often cited as barriers to college completion. Resilience theory was the theoretical framework, which focuses on how those who have encountered adversity rise above to find success. Analysis of the data revealed four main themes related to the student experience in an online course. Participants described challenges they faced and identified attributes of their instructors and campus-based support programs, personal strengths, and attributes of online courses that were helpful to their success. Several strategies for online instructors and YFFC to help successfully complete online undergraduate courses are included. [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.]