A significant percentage of youth are not pursuing any form of post-secondary education (PSE). Using a mixed-method approach, I sought to understand what barriers youth experienced to access PSE. My research confirmed that barriers to access PSE for youth from family income groups of less than $80,000, identified in early research by Corak (2013), Drolet (2005), Finnie (2012), Finnie, et al. (2015), Nakhaie (2000) such as parental income, education, and occupation, remain in place. The importance of PSE culturization emerged as a critical element in the youth of higher-income families; the higher PSE culturization, the more likely youth also participated in PSE.PSE in this research is defined as any education after high-school or "upper-secondary" as described by the OECD (2015. p. 308). Interviews corroborated survey results but also highlighted how the impact of low self-esteem and self-confidence may have played a critical role in the decision-making of youth towards attending PSE or not. Ultimately access to education is a social justice issue; overall society loses when there is unequal access to education. [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.]