The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the academic experiences of low socioeconomic status ESL learners enrolled in a mid-sized urban community college located in Pennsylvania. The theory that guided this study is Walberg's theory on educational productivity, as it looks at how learners' psychological characteristics and the psychological environments in which they live influence academic outcomes and their ability to succeed academically. Walberg's theory of educational productivity provided a framework to answer the central research question and three sub-questions: (A) What are the academic experiences of low socioeconomic status ESL learners? (B) What are the socioeconomic aspects that hinder low socioeconomic status ESL learners' ability to succeed academically inside of school? (C) What are the socioeconomic aspects that hinder low socioeconomic status ESL learners' ability to succeed academically outside of school? (D) What socioeconomic barriers contribute to poor college graduation outcomes among low socioeconomic status ESL learners? Using purposeful and convenience sampling, participants enrolled in an academic English language learning program at a mid-sized community college were selected. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group sessions, and journal collections, then analyzed using Moustakas's modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method for evaluating phenomenological data. Data collection results generated commonalities and themes of low socioeconomic status ESL learners enrolled in a mid-sized urban community college. Empirical, practical, and theoretical implications of the data analysis and recommendations for future research were identified. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]