This study was focused on the factors that contribute to the high attrition rates in doctoral programs, particularly emphasizing the impact of online education on student persistence and completion rates. The primary intent of the research was to gain a deeper understanding of the various challenges that doctoral candidates faced and how they successfully overcame them throughout their academic journey. The researcher employed a qualitative approach that captured the authentic experiences of those who have completed online doctoral programs. Strategies the participants used to overcome isolation, the impact of mentorship, and motivators that helped them stay committed to their goals were uncovered. The research involved in-depth interviews with participants to gather rich, detailed data on their experiences. Through this study, the researcher intended to identify the key factors influencing doctoral candidates' perseverance, including support systems, personal resilience, and programmatic structures. The findings suggested that these factors played a significant role in helping students overcome the challenges they faced and successfully completed their doctoral programs. The study provides valuable insights into effective strategies for enhancing doctoral student support and retention, which can inform higher education policy and practice. The researcher recommended that institutions foster environments that support online doctoral students and proactively work towards mitigating factors that contribute to resilience, such as developing strong support systems, providing opportunities for mentorship, and creating programmatic structures that promote student success. By implementing these recommendations, institutions can help online doctoral students achieve their academic goals and improve retention rates. [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.]