The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine how protective factors, specifically sense of belonging and self-efficacy, impacted persistence of low-income first-generation college students from rural communities (LIFGRS). Furthermore, analysis from these data were compared to previous research studies to examine how institutional practice might foster self-efficacy and sense of belonging among LIFGRS to help them persist beyond the first year of college. Analysis from these data were compared to previous research studies to unveil how institutional practice can foster self-efficacy and sense of belonging among LIFGRS to help them persist beyond the first year of college. This research study found that a combination of internal (sense of belonging and self-efficacy) and external (resources) protective factors operated in unison to enable LIFGRS to persist beyond their first year of college despite the barriers they have faced. [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.]