In this study the researcher investigated the impact of the merit-based Diversity Leadership Scholarship on the persistence rates of ethnically diverse students. The study used archival data provided by a member institution of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The researcher conducted an aggregated analysis of 939 ethnically diverse students who were admitted from fall 2003 to 2007. Persistence rates were measured using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems' (IPEDS) reporting standards. The major findings derived by analysis of the data results indicated there was a statistically significant difference between the persistence rates for ethnically diverse students who did receive the merit-based Diversity Leadership Scholarship compared to ethnically diverse students who did not receive the merit-based Diversity Leadership Scholarship. [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.]