This study explored the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI), career decision making difficulties, and student retention. The participants included freshmen students (N = 98) in a private Midwestern university. This quantitative study compared the scores on an assessment of EI, the Emotional Quotient Inventory (BarOn EQ-i), with the scores on the Career Decision Making Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ). The subjects were asked to report the intention to return for a second year of studies. Scores on the EQ-i and CDDQ were compared between subjects intending to return for a second year of study (n = 89) to the scores of subjects undecided or not returning (n = 9). The correlation between Total EQ-i scores and total CDDQ scores was significant, r (98) = -0.50, p < 0.000. The correlation between Intrapersonal scores and the CDDQ was significant, r (98) = -0.51, p < 0.001. The correlation between Interpersonal scores and the CDDQ was also significant, r (98) = -0.20, p = 0.049. The correlation between Stress Management scores and the CDDQ was significant, r (98) = -0.39, p < 0.001. Finally, the correlation between Adaptability scores and the CDDQ was significant, r (98) = -0.52, p < 0.001. A relationship was also found between overall emotional intelligence, intrapersonal skills, stress management, and student retention. No relationship was found between interpersonal skills and adaptability and student retention. There was also no relationship found between total career decision making difficulties, the subcomponents of the construct, and student retention. It appears that improving the EI of college students may serve to reduce career decision difficulties and could lead to improved retention. More research is suggested to examine the relationship between the scores on the Career Decision Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ) and student retention. [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.]