An in-class survey of a representative sample of 298 students was conducted by Merritt College in March 1979 to determine: (1) the approximate number of students who were considering withdrawal from college; (2) the approximate number who had given withdrawal serious consideration in the past; and (3) the factors which students felt were decisive in keeping them at Merritt. Open-ended questions solicited reasons why a student was considering or had considered dropping out. In addition, checklists were provided against which students could indicate the items that were important in their decision to remain at school in relation to getting into desired courses, instruction, student services, financial aid, and other factors related to their home or school environment. Major findings indicate that only 8.7% of the respondents were considering dropping out; financial difficulty was the most frequently cited reason for this, followed by the need to get a job and personal commitments or problems. Another 47.3% indicated that they had given serious consideration to leaving at one time. Need to get a job, personal commitments, and intention to transfer were the most common reasons. The survey report presents a discussion of the representativeness of the sample and provides 30 tables illustrating responses by age, sex, ethnicity, and educational and occupational background. (JP)