During spring 1991, a study was conducted at San Diego City College (SDCC) in California to explore the various factors which motivate students to drop out, propose remediation strategies based on the research findings, and suggest further studies to identify and analyze problem areas more explicitly. To examine students' reasons for dropping out, a questionnaire was administered to 147 students enrolled in a personal growth course, 142 students in general courses, and 127 students in occupational courses. In addition, 74 students who had dropped out of these same classes were surveyed by telephone. A similar questionnaire was administered to 10 counselors, 26 teaching faculty, 11 deans, and 15 supervisors to examine staff perceptions of the primary risk factors for dropping out. All surveys included a list of 34 reasons for dropping out. Student respondents rated the likelihood that they would drop out for each of the reasons listed and indicated whether they knew someone who had dropped out for this reason. Staff respondents indicated how likely they thought students were to drop out for these reasons. The three reasons for dropping out considered most likely were "I was enthusiastic at the start of the semester but as homework load built up it was more than I could handle,""I suddenly lost an important part of my income," and "I have to quit school to work more hours." Respondent groups' assessment of each of the 34 reasons for dropping out are presented, along with suggested strategies for dealing with the issues and problems involved. The survey instruments, suggested areas for further study, and general recommendations are also included. (PAA)