The study was conducted to examine the factors that influenced the persistence of African-American students at an HBCU. These factors included students involved in campus and classroom engagement, students' grit to persevere, students' commitment to setting goals, and perceptions of a freshman academy advisory program. Several studies reveal factors that contribute to student drop-outs; however, this study focuses on factors that influenced a student's decision to stay in college. The results of the statistical tests and individual interviews revealed that students' classroom and campus engagement, grit to persevere, and commitment to goal setting were promising. However, there were no significant differences when comparing males and females' classroom and campus engagement, grit, and commitment to setting 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.]