This paper describes and discusses the informational, procedural, situational, and psychological barriers that hinder the academic progress of adult students and the methods by which institutions of higher education can remove these barriers. Following a review of the increase of adult students on campuses and their goals, attitudes, and demographics, a section on informational barriers notes the frequency with which students may encounter these barriers throughout the college experience and suggests that institutions can be more targeted and aggressive in the ways they get information out to these students. A section on procedural barriers describes these types of obstacles as those created by the institutional structure and thus designed to meet the needs of the traditional student. This section discusses admissions, course scheduling, registration, and faculty relations. Next, situational barriers are described as life circumstance barriers unique to each student such as financial needs, housing problems, and lack of family support. Discussed here also are day care needs, living space, financial support, and social isolation. A final section on psychological barriers concerns issues from low self-esteem to identity crises as they relate to the older student in particular. Also described are ways that colleges can respond. Included are 14 references. (JB)