The purpose of the study was to learn which activities are effective for producing a community of learners, retaining students, preparing students for the rigors of nursing school, and determining the best practices for Living Learning Community (LLC) housing and academic policies for nursing students. The research utilized a qualitative case study approach. Additionally, Vincent Tinto's (1993) conceptual schema for dropout from college model was applied at the college level to determine the school's effectiveness in addressing the institutional commitment to retaining students in the nursing major or the university at the end of their first year. The study investigated the experiences and perspectives of participants in the Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village (FPNLLV) with the 2012/2013-2015/2016 cohorts. The study also investigated the experiences and perspectives of administrators involved in various aspects of the village experience including teaching common courses and planning and implementation of the program. Qualitative data was collected using FPNLLV focus groups, administrator interviews, and a review of documents and records. Analysis of the data gathered through student focus groups, student surveys, document analysis, and administrator interviews revealed common themes regarding the effectiveness of participation in the Future Pirate Nurse Living and Learning Village as it relates to retention at the university, within the major, and graduation from the nursing major or another major at the university. [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.]