This study investigates the reasons for students, who have reached the final stages of their associate degree at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, to postpone or abandon their academic work. Further, this study also investigates what remedial actions could have helped them complete their degree. Using a mixed methods design, quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 73 participants was obtained, processed, and analyzed. The results indicate that the most influential reasons that led to degree abandonment were inability to designate sufficient time for academic work and inability to pay for tuition. The interventions that were proposed as having most impact were: the need for a mentor, tutor, or a learning community and financial assistance. The researcher offered recommendations for intervention implementation that are expected to improve student degree completion as well as have a positive impact on the financial position of the institution. [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.]