In this dissertation, I examine the socioeconomic impacts of college degree attainment on white working-class Millennials. I conducted a qualitative study in Western New York, individually interviewing twenty men and twenty women. Additionally, I facilitated three focus groups (one male, one female, and one mixed gender) to further discuss these experiences. While the previous research on neoliberalism, the working class and habitus was used as a foundation for this research, data was analyzed through a framework reliant on Bourdieu's (1986) theory of habitus. This analysis was further nuanced using a critical bifocality (Weis & Fine, 2012) lens and an intersectional (Crenshaw, 1991) lens. As a result of this analysis, I discovered that while degree attainment has only slightly shifted the socioeconomic status of these working-class individuals, more significantly they have moved into a transitional habitus. While their degree attainment moves them out of a working-class habitus, they have not yet earned sufficient social and cultural capital to fully engage and solidify a position within a middle or working class habitus. This transitional habitus then is characterized by a blending of old and new capitals, complemented by characteristics of adaptability and resilience. Furthermore, participants utilize their collegiate skills and experience to enact agency on their time, resources, and priorities. Pushing for a work-life balance, contentment and flexibility, this shift in priorities indicates a movement within this population towards greater confidence to push back against a stratified system. Subtle shifts against gender and racial discrimination also appeared in some cases, indicating that progress in these areas is positively impacted by the attainment of a college degree. Members of this transitional habitus still value a vocational or non-collegiate path, again reinforcing that they have moved into a transitional habitus, one that is unique for its ability to allow compromise and blending of capitals and values from both habitus of origin and aspirational habitus. This study focused on a population that has been drastically changing their college degree attainment trends, within the greater context of a globalized, deindustrialized society. I conclude my study by identifying the multitude of avenues in which research, support, and further progress can be made. [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.]