Increasingly, less educated Americans are struggling with self-sufficiency. Low-end jobs are diminishing, and adults who left high school with education adequate to support themselves now find their marketable skills limited. Recent welfare reforms restrict assistance, leaving struggling workers with dwindling aid. Changing family structures result in rising numbers of families reliant upon a single parent. As a result, many adults are returning to academia out of necessity rather than choice. The article discusses circumstances common to many adult students, their challenges and supports. (Contains 1 footnote.)