All first-year students enrolled in diploma and certificate programs in the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) were surveyed to determine factors that influence student persistence. A questionnaire was mailed to 2,822 students in October 1991; 1,557 completed questionnaires were received and analyzed. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to respondents in June 1992; 720 completed questionnaires were received, 105 from noncompleters. In the literature search on student retention and attrition, past studies fell into five categories: psychological, societal, economic, organizational, and interactional. The survey data found that working conditions and personal interest/aptitude were more important to noncompleters in determining career choices. Noncompleters were less certain about career choices, expressed less goal commitment, and had set themselves lower final educational goals. Noncompleters used tutorial help, counseling, and computer and library facilities more frequently. Noncompleters were more likely to have disabilities, be female, be married, have dependent children, and be more influenced by current economic conditions. The study tested the hypothesis that unemployment rates in particular occupations are inversely related to attrition rates in programs preparing for this field by examining the health, business, industrial, and technology sectors. The hypothesis could not be proven for all specific programs, but the inverse relationship held true for broad sectors in general. (Contains 78 references.) (YLB)