Idaho is facing an educational crisis, consistently ranking 50th in the nation for high school students directly enrolling in college. A startling college attrition rate results in only one out of every ten Idaho high school graduates earning a college degree. College students have been shown to possess a unique set of stressors, which can negatively affect their academic success and lead to attrition in college. Anxiety and depression are growing concerns in the young adult population, with one out of every four college students suffering from some form of mental illness. This study uniquely combined survey-based data with clinical blood work to better identify correlations between biological markers, retention theory, and psychological survey instruments to determine the contribution of health in retention and academic success. Bloodwork and survey data were collected from Idaho-resident freshmen (n=50) at the beginning and (n=45) end of their first semester at Idaho State University (ISU). Quantitative analysis confirmed that multiple biological makers changed significantly over the course of the study, providing compelling clinical evidence that the health of freshmen at ISU was adversely affected over the course of their first semester. Several of these biological markers significantly correlated with retention choices and GPA. Negative health behaviors, such as poor sleep, alcohol consumption, and diet, also correlated with decreased academic success and changes in clinical biomarkers. This dissertation provides evidence that the declining health of freshmen students contributed to attrition and decreased academic success. Concerted efforts are needed to improve support and intervention for students' physical and mental health in future retention strategies. [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.]