The present study investigated the experiences of non-traditional college students living in a Rust Belt town who left college without completing a college degree. The research design is a qualitative research study using critical ethnography in the form of oral histories to understand the marginalization of non-traditional students living in a Rust-belt city. The themes that evolved were relevant findings for all 14 participants and indicated that the participants (1) socially constructed interpretations of experiences; (2) experienced childhood trauma and adversity; (3) experienced compounded marginalization; (4) felt academically inadequate; (5) lacked a sense of belonging in the college community; (6) received parental and college mixed messages; (7) aligned with the rural blue collar community; (8) lacked desire to leave their hometown; (9) mistrusted the higher education system; and (10) responded positively to hands on learning and experiential training. Evidence obtained from participant oral histories may provide valuable insight for Rust Belt communities to address the needs of residents with low college attainment and socioeconomic status and for colleges that serve non-traditional students. [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.]