Institutions of higher education are under pressure to enroll, retain, and graduate competent students today more than ever. Although the number of single mothers attending college continues to increase each year, the graduation rates of single mothers do not. These low graduation rates indicate that special attention should be given to the needs of this growing student population. There has been limited published literature related to understanding undergraduate African American single mother students and their sense of belonging at higher education institutions. This study attempts to fill this gap in research by examining the perspectives of this student population through the lens of Baumeister and Leary's theory of need to belong. This phenomenological study used demographic data, semi-structured interviews, and a survey scale, to help capture the experiences of 13 African American female undergraduate students who are single mothers. Each participant presented a unique story explaining her academic journey and detailing their struggles, setbacks, and achievements. The results of this study indicate that a feeling of acceptance directly affects a sense of belonging. Student mothers should not feel ashamed for being part of this demographic. The emerging themes from this study indicate that this student population is resilient and steadfast in the pursuit of their academic and personal goals. [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.]