A questionnaire was administered to determine the needs of external degree students in the South Bend, Indiana University External Degree Program. The results (48% response rate) were compared with those of an earlier study with Northwestern New York postsecondary students. It was found that 50% of South Bend students, as compared to 27% of the New York students, were between twenty-nine and forty-three. Although both samples were predominantly white, the number of black students in the external program was twice what could be expected from South Bend local and school population ratios. Forty-eight percent of the South Bend group, as opposed to 20% of the New York group, received initial program information from print media. In examining the South Bend group alone, it was found that most of the students were between twenty-nine and fifty-five, were in a phase of reappraising their life, were most likely working, and had a yearly family income of over $15,000. The female student's personal income was often severely limited. Main student criticisms revolved around two concerns: lengthy procedures in granting self-acquired competencies; and a special mathematics course requirement. In addition to responding to these criticisms it is recommended that the university hold business office hours after five o'clock and possibly on Saturday/Sunday and provide greater counseling services. (CSS)