An insufficiency of research exists concerning active-duty enlisted soldiers pursuing education beyond a high school diploma. Although Army leaders and the American people support higher education, only 15.9% of active-duty enlisted soldiers have an education past a high school diploma. The purpose of this study was to explore the interpretations and meanings active-duty enlisted soldiers attached to their lived experiences as military students seeking higher education beyond a high school diploma. Eighty-two active-duty enlisted soldiers from the Army branch of service completed online survey questionnaires and 12 participated in email and telephone interviews. Using a qualitative transcendental, phenomenological research design, both survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews questions were analyzed to generalize themes for active-duty enlisted soldiers in pursuing higher education. The core themes that surfaced were (a) challenges enlisted soldiers experience in pursuing higher education on active-duty; (b) using tuition assistance in pursuing higher education on active-duty; and (c) time management and balancing life in pursuing higher education on active-duty. Additional themes generated were (d) committing to focus and concentration on taking college classes on active-duty; (e) drive and determination to stay the course in getting a college degree on active-duty; and (f) the importance of attitude and drive in achieving a college degree on active-duty. Additional work is needed to improve policies, procedures, and resources from higher learning institutions. These initiatives might help to influence enlisted soldiers' overall educational experience and college degree completion. [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.]