This paper briefly reviews the literature on the common factors in effective college student retention programs, then presents a study assessing the impact of the institution's mission effectiveness as distinct from other determinants of student retention. The assessment of retention predictors and the effects of the school's mission were conducted at Barry University (Florida). Data sources for the study came from admissions records, standardized test scores, secondary school performance data, student academic records, and a survey of first-year students that determined their subjective experiences at the institution. Using logistics regression analysis, the study determined that strategies to improve first semester grades have the greatest impact on retention; however, institutional effectiveness in the academic area was but one determinant of grade point average, contributing only one-third of the variance. Academic preparation and student motivation had greater impacts on academic outcomes. Institutional academic effectiveness had less influence on retention than the community building and personal growth missions of the institution. The study determined that institutional effectiveness, by itself, cannot curtail attrition; but missions that differentiate the university from other schools have greater potential for creating commitment and encouraging retention. Contains 17 references. (GLR)