A survey was conducted to evaluate nationally the retention of undergraduates at institutions of higher education. In particular the survey sought to: determine the rates at which full-time students persisted in and completed higher education; identify factors that institutional representatives felt influence students to leave school; and describe institutional practices and policies to improve retention and their perceived effectiveness. The survey was mailed to 541 institutions; it had an 87 percent response rate. The survey findings showed that of full-time freshmen entering school in fall 1988, 70 percent were still enrolled a year later. The reasons most commonly listed by institutional representatives as important in students choosing to leave without completing a degree or award were financial difficulties, accomplishment of objectives, personal reasons, and poor grades. A majority of institutions collected data on retention within the last year indicating a high level of concern with retention in recent years. Selectivity in admission was the most important predictor of retention at higher education institutions. Programs listed as having a great impact on retention were: help with student finances, help with academic problems, and testing and performance assessment. In the past 5 years, 81 percent of institutions had developed programs aimed at increasing retention. Included are nine figures, and appendixes containing detailed tables, technical notes, and the survey questionnaire. (JB)