The selection process for choosing an institution of higher learning for a high school student is a complicated and costly process for both the student and institution, specifically the institution's athletic department and coaching staff. Research reported there are multiple factors that influence a student's decision-making in selecting a college to attend to include the school's reputation, athletic and academic facilities, and degree programs. Though Historically Black Colleges and Universities have had successful athletic and academic programs, there is a need to maximize recruiting efforts among student-athletes. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand student-athlete's decisions in the selection process to participate in track and field at an HBCU rather than a predominantly white institution. The study was supported by the College Choice Model (CCM), which focuses on the student and his self-efficacy, rather than the institution. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 4 male and 6 female student-athletes who were attending an HBCU. 12 open-ended questions were employed to understand the lived experiences of the participants. Results yielded 7 emerging themes: (1) honored and excited to receive a scholarship; (2) demographics, African American culture, and environment; (3) advantage- support from coaches and teachers, disadvantage- lack of facilities and resources; (4) finances played a key role in attending HBCU; (5) room and board, cost of attending HBCU; (6) sense of community at HBCUs; and, (7) acceptable and comfortable culture. Results of this study can be used to further understand the concept of "choice" by student-athletes regarding colleges and universities across the United States. [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.]