Economic Reasons:

• lack of financial assistance (2X);*
• direct costs (fees);
• indirect costs (books, supplies, transportation, daycare, lost income.

Personal and cultural constraints:

• work (3X);*
• children (2X);*
• cultural constraints (2X) eg. opposition of husband to wife enrolling;
• personal problems;
• alcoholism;
• family constraints other than financial.

Special needs:

• handicapping conditions (physical, psychological, emotional, and learning problems).

Anxiety and embarrassment:

• low self-esteem (3X);*
• having to admit they have a literacy problem;
• fear of returning to school (too old; away too long; won't fit in)
• fear being so far behind they won't catch up;
• fear of low skill level being discovered;
• fear of teasing;
• fear of failure.

Past school experiences:

• previous negative educational experiences;
• misconceptions about ABE programs
• think it's like school;
• expect large classes;
• instruction similar to the past.

Low perceived need:

• don't perceive the problem as such;
• have managed to cope, so why enrol?

Institutional constraints:

• institutional intimidation (3X);*
• lack of commitment of college administration and staff (2X);*
• large classes.

Poor awareness/support:

• lack of awareness of programs (3X);*
• don't know who to ask for help.

Structural:

• lack of programs (2X);*
• geographic barriers
• isolation and transportation.