Retention research has resulted in a number of theories, models, and frameworks, and the adoption of related strategies by institutions of higher education to graduate the students they admit. These strategies include programming designed to welcome students, give them a sense of belonging, and involve them in the academic and social realms of the institutions. Retention theories also account for the impact on persistence of pre-admission factors such as family and cultural background, academic preparation, goals, and motivation. This opinion piece briefly reviews key retention theories and recent research to argue for a greater emphasis on learning as a missing component in improved persistence.