A study was conducted at MiraCosta College (MCC), in Del Mar, California, to investigate various aspects of retention and attrition and to make recommendations for possible program enhancements. The study sought to determine when students drop out of classes, which students drop out of school completely, and the drop out rate for various categories of students and programs; and to identify successful retention activities. Study findings, based on an examination of the fall 1985 student database, a faculty/staff survey, and a review of available literature, included the following: (1) there was an overall college drop-out rate of 20.4% among students taking credit courses; (2) 64.5% of all the classes dropped were dropped before the end of the second week of school, the deadline for adding/dropping classes; (3) students with the top success rates were those over 49 years of age, foreign non-resident students, and financial aid students, while students jointly enrolled in the high school diploma program and credit courses, returning transfer students, Black students, students on active military duty, and American Indian students had the lowest success rates; (4) effective statewide retention activities involve teachers creating a friendly atmosphere in class and showing an interest in students' other activities; and (5) prior educational achievements and academic aptitude are positive factors in predicting college success. Based on study findings, two strategies are recommended for maintaining enrollment in addition to improving retention activities. These strategies are (1) active efforts to recruit recent high school graduates, and (2) more active outreach to minorities, re-entry women, the disabled, and older students. Recommendations for more effective student retention are also given. Supplemental data tables and the survey instrument are appended. (EJV)