A comprehensive review of an NIMH study which examined "institutional racial climate" was used to detect trends and patterns of the colleges surveyed in this dissertation. The main purpose of this study was to explore the causes of black attrition at predominantly white institutions of higher education. An open-ended 79 variable questionnaire was given to students and drop-outs. Immediately after the completion of this questionnaire, 15% of the 557 students and 50% of the 103 drop-outs were interviewed to probe certain questions in greater detail. Over a ten-week period students were surveyed on four campuses while drop-outs were sought in seven mid-western cities and three eastern cities. The data were organized around sex, past environment, and current environment. Findings indicated that drop-outs went to college for non-specific reasons significantly more than stayers did. There were no sex or financial aid difference between those who stayed in school and drop-outs. Mothers having no religion seemed to increase the chance of dropping out. Too much or too little parental expectation was seen to cause attrition. Most black students had had bad experiences at white colleges. Discrimination was found to cause most black attrition at white colleges. (Author/AM)