Black males account for 4.3% of the total enrollment at four-year postsecondary institutions in the United States. The percentage of Black men who are enrolled in college is nearly the same as it was in 1976 (Harper, 2006a; Palmer & Strayhorn, 2008; Strayhorn, 2008a, 2010). With this low exponential growth of Black males attending institutions of higher education, there is the assumption that institutions have not done much to provide for this population of students that are recruited consistently to attend these universities. Black males do not have enough resources to reassure their cultural masculinity as well develop as an individual. Throughout history Black undergraduate men have been the topic of discussion in reference towards their experiences and outcomes at four-year universities. The amount of journalist, educators that have written on Black men and what they go through in college increased tremendously each year (Amechi, Berhanu, Cox, Mcguire, et al, 2016). It is these trends that validate the lack of policies and practices by university administrators within the institution of higher education, which is failing to adequately prepare current Black students that would increase retention, academic success, and enrollment. This study is two-fold: (1) to examine how racial identity influences mentorship, self-efficacy, social integration, and persistence amongst Black males in higher education; and (2) to determine the similarities and differences amongst Black student-athletes and Black non-student-athletes based on experiences and data collected. The results should inform the practices and polices at institutions of higher education to cater to Black Students. These institutions should prioritize the development of Black students; institutions can begin by analyzing how racial identity influences social integration, mentorship, persistence, and academic self-efficacy of Black 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.]