Changes in the working and personal lives of adults as a result of completing a bachelor's degree as a mature-age student were studied in Australia. Also considered were students' progress through the degree, patterns of employment while enrolled, and additional formal higher education after completing (or withdrawing from) the program. The study population consisted of people aged 25 or over who began a bachelor's degree in 1978. Information was obtained on: areas of study, enrollment patterns, external students, part-time study, self-report of academic performance, relationship between education and job, occupational level, job prospect, job satisfaction, unemployment, changes in personal development, changes in abilities, leisure time activities, and impact on marital relations. Appendices include: the questionnaire and index of aspects of study variables, a comparison of age subsamples, and a comparison of first-year withdrawers and graduate subsamples. Microfiche of the data (representing 208 pages of computer printouts) were enclosed with the report but are not included in ERIC. (SW)