The six-year university graduation rate for minority, first-generation, and low-income students is significantly lower than it is for non-minority students, students whose parents went to college, and students from high-income families. The problem addressed in this study was small private, faith-based institutions do not have a viable model for proactively identifying at-risk students and thereby increasing student success among underrepresented groups. The purpose of this correlational study was to develop a model to increase student success at a small private, faith-based institution in rural New Mexico. Research question one sought to analyze the relationship between student success and environmental and demographic variables among minority students, first-generation students, and low-income students. The second research question sought to determine the extent to which these environmental and demographic variables influence student success among minority students, first-generation students, and low-income students. Information pertaining to demographics, course success, and term success were collected from student records at the site and analyzed for relationships. Findings include differences among demographic variables but no statistically significant relationships to develop predictive models. Recommendations include providing faculty and staff with key variables that highlight student success and also reassessing the tools and resources provided to freshman, sophomore, and first-time college students. Implications for social change include equipping the institution with a foundation for increasing student success. The findings in this study will also serve as a stepping stone towards improving student success within the institution. [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.]