Barriers faced by 42 nontraditional age women (age 35 or above) enrolled as freshman in four state institutions in Oregon were studied, based on a demographic survey and interviews. The following types of barriers were identified: (1) social barriers, constraints brought about through economics, age, family or community attitudes, or sex-role stereotyping; (2) insitutional barriers, practices that discriminate to keep nontraditional-age women out, or means that are not used to encourage and support their entrance; and (3) psychological barriers, pervasive and complex beliefs concerning personal identity and self-image. General institutional barriers (43%) were identified more often than general psychological barriers (29%) or general social barriers (28%). When asked to identify one or more major barriers that could have kept them out of school, major social barriers (65%) predominated over major institutional barriers (17%) and major psychological barriers (17%). The respondents offered recommendations that could aid other nontraditional age women to enter college. A literature review and questionnaire/interview forms are included. (SW)