Mature women are returning to colleges and universities in ever-increasing numbers. These women have special goals and special needs and it is essential that institutions of higher education respond to these needs. The problems faced by the older woman student are numerous and may be characterized as either institutional or personal. Institutional problems include: the availability of accurate program information; financial aid restrictions; lack of counseling and support services and of child care; rigid class scheduling; and failure to receive credit for earlier education and various life experiences. Personal problems involve fear of academic competition; insecurity about learning ability; guilt that results from conflicting home and school demands; and lack of spousal support, either financial or emotional. Institutions of higher education can respond to these problems by offering formal orientation programs and peer support organizations; financial aid for part-time students; and flexible and non-traditional class formats, utilizing evening classes, televised instruction, and satellite and mobile campuses. Personal and career counseling services should be provided by staff members trained to understand the needs of mature women re-entry students. (DR)