The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has issued a goal to have 80% of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by the year 2020 as a result of studies indicating that nurses need to be prepared at the BSN level to meet the increasing demands in providing patient care since studies have shown better patient outcomes with BSN prepared nurses (Front Matter, 2011; IOM, 2010; McEwen, 2013). The IOM goal of 80% by 2020 is in response to research that has demonstrated improved patient outcomes for those cared for by BSN prepared nurses (Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, Sloane, & Silber, 2003). The purpose of this study was to research attributes of the RN to BSN program that facilitate retention in Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN programs. The research question is, what attributes support the retention of students in a RN to BSN program? A descriptive study design using mixed methods data collection was used to facilitate the best understanding of the research problem. Data were collected through surveys, and followed up with interviews with a subset of the initial population. Interview participants for this study included student participants who were enrolled in a RN to BSN program to determine what program attributes supported retention at a private Roman Catholic university. The results indicated the need for a program that implements the Culture of Excellence model to promote student retention. The Culture of Excellence focuses on defining desired faculty attributes that are integral to student success, retention fostered by a sense of belonging, and student needs and desired qualities that are met through consistent faculty support. The six implications for practice included building the Culture of Excellence, going beyond articulation agreements to define academic pathways, creating the right time for students to pursue their education, creating the preferred method of delivery, creating a detailed, informative orientation, and utilizing the "Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice" to support building quality curriculum. The implications promote facilitating growth in the RN to BSN program to contribute to the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) goal of 80% BSN by 2020, and improving patient outcomes through improving safe, quality patient care. [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.]