Subjects participating in this research project were interviewed to gather data for this study. These participants were college students who were attending or had attended the University of Oklahoma and are members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. These interviews investigated reasons for student enrollment, retention and withdrawal. The findings of this research study addressed family conflicts such as departing home life for an education and future success, socio-economic variance and learning disabilities that may not be obvious. This study researched independent variables of kindness, independence, honesty, social responsibility, reciprocity, social skills, religiosity and self-control as they related to educational goals of persistence, the dependent variable. The significance of this research study defined Native American education and its role in the holistic preparation of future Native American leaders. Religion and family values were identified in this research document. Most noted religion and family values were found to be correlated to post-secondary persistence. [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.]