Although many students in low socioeconomic backgrounds lived in adverse situations during childhood, they were deeply motivated to pursue higher education. The current generic qualitative study was conducted to fill a gap in the literature pertaining to African American students' experiences of transitioning from high school to college. The primary theoretical framework for this study is critical race theory. Specifically, this study focused on low socioeconomic status African American first-time college students enrolled in a historically Black college or university (HBCU), located within the United States. Through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, the 12 students described the challenges faced from parental support, peer support, teacher support, and school administrative support. The researcher utilized thematic analysis and revealed commonalities in the students' accounts of their experiences and reasons for making their transitions as (a) preparation for better livelihoods, (b) realization of more responsibilities, (c) growing up and realizing that the future depends on commitment, (d) control of educational journey, (e) lack of high school support, (f) the timing importance of transitioning from high school to college, and (g) campus climate at a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The semi-structured interviews allowed the students to describe and gain a better understanding or meaning of their experiences. In other words, the students were able to convey how their childhood experiences contributed to their transitions from high school to college. They identified key components that impact a student of color decision-making process, as it pertains to the pursuit of higher education. Hopefully, educational institutions focus on implementing essential programs for smoother transitions for all minority students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]