Although the career choice decision for women is recognized as a complex process, there is little understanding about how the influencing factors affect the choices of disadvantaged women returning to community colleges. This study was concerned with understanding how certain factors influenced the career choices of this population. A random sample of 15 subjects was identified for this study from a population of 53 female students attending Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. The data were gathered through examining the subjects' college student records, interviews and survey questionnaires. The literature suggested that six major factors may influence career choices of women. These are: the environment, the family, individual abilities, self-concept variables, vocational interests and values, and the influence of education. Factors identified in this study which may influence the career choices of disadvantaged women returning to community colleges and provided support for the literature included: high academic ability, a more tolerant and feminist attitude, a sense of independence, interest in planning for a career, and a supportive faculty. In addition, economic security was the most often discussed motivating factor; it had not been previously identified as an influencing factor. Contrary to the literature, the following factors had minor influence on career choices: success in mathematics courses, supportive parents and family, and educational role models. In addition, the absence of a familial value for education was identified. Although it did not appear to impact the subjects' career choices, it appeared to have previously created a barrier to education. / Graduation date: 1992