The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influenced African American doctoral students at HBCUs to persist toward degree completion. Despite the minimal gains experienced in the success of attracting minority students to graduate programs, problems graduating African American doctoral students still linger (Council of Graduate Schools, 1998). This has left many universities searching for innovative strategies to increase retention and graduation of African American graduate students (Council of Graduate Schools, 1998). This study provides vital information for improving the attrition, retention, and graduation rates of African American students enrolled in doctoral degree programs at selected HBCUs.