More than 40% of college drinkers are classified as high risk, and of these about 20% will continue this behavior into adulthood. This exploratory study compared the characteristics of high risk college drinkers who matured out with those who remained adult persistent. Respondents (4,428 alumni) completed a survey about college and current drinking habits and personal characteristics. Twenty-six largely behavioral characteristics differed significantly between these populations. Analyses of the adult persistent group found emotional and psychological characteristics distinguished high risk from harmful and dependent drinkers. The study provides the basis for college student affairs and health professionals to consider programming suitable to these distinct groups: college drinkers likely to mature out as adults and those likely to continue as adult persistent high risk drinkers.