Latinas are one of fastest growing segments of the population in the United States, which clearly shows a need to better understand and support education for Latinas within higher education. This study sought to understand the process for and experience of Latinas' academic achievement within higher education. The study focused particularly on the Latina experiences for enrolling in, attending, and completing college from the perspective of ten Latinas living in Southern California who have completed at least a bachelor's degree. The results of this qualitative case study presented emergent similarities, patterns, and themes within the participants' interviews. The themes that emerged from the case studies of the Latinas were financial aid, personal determination or "ganas," defiance of gender role expectations, familial support, connection with faculty, and advice for other Latina women to "just do it." The findings suggest that their personal stories and experiences can contribute to the retention of Latina enrollment in higher education. [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://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]