Distance learning classes are on the rise. Some colleges and universities have high retention rates, but others do not. The keys to creating effective online courses are student satisfaction and retention. This quantitative study surveyed 73 students who had completed at least one online course at a small Florida public university that offers various degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The survey explored the factors that influence student retention and satisfaction in online courses and the ways that instructional strategies and interaction influence retention and satisfaction in online courses. Data analysis revealed that there are no factors that significantly influence student retention and satisfaction in online courses, and instructional strategies and interaction do not significantly influence retention and satisfaction in online courses. The mean scores in instructional strategies and interaction were higher for those students who never dropped an online course. This fact could mean that those students who had never dropped an online course were influenced by instructional strategies and interaction and were satisfied with their online courses; therefore, these students remained in their online courses. [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.]