The qualitative phenomenological study used interviews to examine if there is a relationship between mental health disparities in Black males and low retention and persistence rates for college students. Following the guidelines of interview process to survey-based method, which Cohen et al. (2017) identifies survey-based research as a gathering of data within a specific time frame with direct intention to describe the relationship between particular events. A ten-step responsive interview model was utilized, allowing the researcher to adjust interview questions, sites as needed (Rubin & Rubin, 2011). The results from the study support the literature the implication that mental health disparities do effect retention and persistence rates for Black males in college, the findings also emphasized college age students are in a very vulnerable age. As a result, this age group is more susceptible to mental health challenges. This research focuses on Black males seeking a collegiate baccalaureate degree to provide insight to universities with this population to better 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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]