This study had two purposes. The first purpose of the study was to describe the perceptions of first-time in college high school students, specifically early college students, in regards to factors that enabled them to be successful. Secondly, the perceptions of first-time in college high school students, specifically early college students, were described in regards to their obstacles for success. The participants were six first-time in college students who attended an early college in a specific independent school district, who had completed college coursework, and who had similar backgrounds and educational experiences. A phenomenological research design was employed to permit the participants to communicate the factors and the obstacles to success through their own internal lenses. Therefore, individual interviews with predetermined open-ended questions were conducted to reveal the lived experiences of the six first-time in college early college students. Two major themes, individual determination and relationships, emerged from the data obtained from the individual interviews that represented factors that enable success. Unlike the factors that were universal in contributing to success, more variation was evident in obstacles to success from the three themes that emerged among the early college students: (a) lack of academic preparedness, (b) financial issues, and (c) presence of cultural stereotypes. Understanding the perceptions of the students regarding factors and obstacles to their academic achievement can assist the institutions of higher learning and the independent school districts (ISDs) in the development of programs, such as early colleges, that foster persistence and success for overlooked and underserved students who are first-generation and low-income. The findings of this research study have implications for ISDs, community colleges, students, and parents to contemplate when engaging in the possibility of establishing an early college and when deciding if an early college would be the best choice for students. [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.]