In this current climate of financial uncertainty and multiple options, student retention is crucial to the well-being of an academic institution. This study explored the role of student integration in the college community of traditional undergraduate institutions by finding a connection between student affairs programs, student social integration, and student retention. The population considered for the study was from small and medium, degree-granting, nonprofit, private, member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The intent was to conduct a multiple linear regression analysis on a sample of this population to examine if institutional expenditures on specific student affairs programs that are intended to contribute to students' social integration can predict the institution's graduation rates. Due to a low response, a regression was unable to be conducted. A positive correlation was found between total student affairs expenditures and 6-year graduation rates within the sample group. An emerging finding was that senior student affairs officers are responsible for many programs and budgets and find it too difficult to participate in a study of expenditures for various reasons explored within this current research. [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.]