The determinants of student attrition in institutions of higher education were investigated. A causal model was developed which synthesized research findings on turnover in work organizations and on student attrition. Questionnaires were distributed to university freshmen (N=1171). The data was analyzed using multiple regression and path analysis. Findings indicate that female dropouts are not committed to the institution or to attaining a degree, did not do well in high school, do not belong to campus organizations, do not believe that a college education will lead to employment or self-development, perceive an opportunity to transfer, do not find daily life at college repetitive, are not satisfied with being a student, know the social and academic rules of the institution, do not participate in decision making, and do not meet with staff and faculty members informally. The findings also indicate that male dropouts are not committed to the institution, do not have a high university GPA, are satisfied with being students, do not believe that education leads to self-development, find their lives repetitive, do not know the social and academic rules of the institution well, and often live with their parents. (Author)