The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how nontraditional college students describe the influence of academic integration and commitment for persistence to degree completion at universities in the United States. Tinto's theory of student retention served as the theoretical framework. Two research questions guided data collection. These were focused on how nontraditional college students describe the influence academic integration and commitment in persistence to degree completion. Interviews and focus groups were sources of data. Seventeen nontraditional college graduates from across the United States participated in the study. Braun and Clarke's six-step process was used to thematically analyze data. Five themes emerged during analysis. Theme 1 was nontraditional college students' experiences with the college system influenced their persistence to degree completion. Theme 2 was nontraditional college students used academic and counseling resources and services to help influence their persistence to degree completion. Theme 3 was finding belongingness among peers of different ages and with different schedules influenced the persistence of non-traditional adult learners. Theme 4 was retention, overcoming obstacles, and perseverance influenced non-traditional learners' persistence to degree completion. Theme 5 was nontraditional college students' financial, career, and personal goals influenced their persistence to degree completion. The research findings suggest key requirements for nontraditional students to promote positive interactions within the learning environment which may increase the likelihood of persistence to degree completion. The study provides an increase in the awareness of the presence of challenges facing nontraditional students within the learning environment. [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.]