The third in a series of four monographs, this study focuses on Black engineering students at Purdue University who persisted, withdrew, or transferred. A survey of the students was conducted to determine factors that influence retention and attrition of Black American students in engineering. A comparison of the pre-college and college characteristics of Black and non-Black freshmen engineering persisters, transfers, and withdrawals is also included. Survey results indicate that the prevailing reasons for attending Purdue were its academic quality and the type of academic programs available. The more important reasons for studying engineering related to salary, job opportunities and an interest in problem solving. Most Black students who were admitted to Purdue but later cancelled, attended college elsewhere, usually in engineering. Engineering persisters were more apt to be achievement-oriented and more often participated in professional activities and programs designed to assist Black students. The transfers changed their career decisions most frequently due to low grades and lack of interest. The survey also indicated that college grades were much more significantly and positively related to persistence in engineering for both Black and non-Black students than pre-college variables. It is concluded that admissions policies primarily based on relative high school performance and supportive programs appear to be the keys to assuring Black Americans equal access to engineering careers. The survey instrument and sample survey responses are appended. (Author/SF)