Even though more students are enrolling in online distance learning in public and private institutions, attrition continues to be a substantial concern challenging online distance learning in higher education institutions. Students taking general education mathematics courses have exhibited low completion rates at the community college level in online distance education at a rural Midwestern community college. The purpose of this research was to examine the factors that influence the completion rates of mathematics general education courses among students in online distance education at a rural Midwestern community college. By exploring these factors, the faculty can better understand what a successful learning environment is and intervene to prevent student attrition and dropout and to help keep students from repeating the failed course many times. Also, administrators can better understand, support, and make informed decisions about offering online distance general mathematics courses. Archival data were collected from four developmental mathematics education courses that included online distance learning and traditional face-to-face learning modalities. This study consisted of 3714 participants enrolled in 16-week online distance general mathematics and traditional face-to-face courses from fall 2017 through spring 2020. This study showed no significant difference in the student completion rates between online distance and traditional face-to-face mathematics courses. There was a significant difference in the students' ethnic status, enrollment status, Pell Grant status, and course completion rates themselves between online distance and traditional face-to-face mathematics courses. Further research on examining other qualitative factors on student completion rates between online distance and traditional face-to-face mathematics courses is suggested. [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.]