The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Black alumni of exclusively Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) who completed doctoral degrees in various disciplines. The specific focus was the participants' college and graduate experiences which led to graduate persistence, success, and ultimately graduation from a doctoral program. This study examined Black Doctors who attended PWIs throughout their academic pathways to the doctorate. The study's research questions investigated psychological characteristics of students matriculating PWIs, and obstacles and success factors related to persistence through doctoral attainment. This study found feelings of isolation and inadequacy, difficulties managing personal life related stress with academic requirements, and intentionality about building relationships with other Black students were common psychological characteristics of Black Doctors who studied at PWIs. The study also found obstacles faced by participants were faculty prejudice, racism, microaggressions & microinvalidations, and a general lack of academic support, while success factors were found to be prior experience and success in predominantly White academic environments, a support system with other Black students, and participation in student activities and organizations. Therefore, the attention to the experiences and outcomes of Black students matriculating PWIs must be considered and acted upon in order to strengthen the Black doctoral pipeline and increase the percentage of Black doctoral degree holders. [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.]