A study was conducted to determine whether factors found to be related to student persistence in public and independent two-year colleges (i.e., positive college environment, realistic student expectations for career and education, and a sense of belonging) were generalizable to the proprietary sector. Three proprietary institutions in New York served as research sites: Bryant-Stratton, Buffalo; Utica School of Commerce, Utica; and Monroe Business College, Bronx. Data on student characteristics, the academic environment, goal and commitment factors, and student-college relations were gathered by questionnaires and on-site interviews with over 275 students, faculty, and staff. Study findings including the following: (1) compared with the public/independent college sample, more students in the proprietary schools tended to be female, from families with low incomes, job-oriented, and enrolled due to familiarity with the institution; (2) the primary goal of the proprietary students was to obtain employment and/or go into their own business; (3) when asked why they had persisted when many of their colleagues had not, respondents stressed individual determination and goal commitment; (4) 86.6% of the proprietary students indicated a sense of belonging with respect to their school, with credit generally given to a friendly helpful staff and supportive faculty; and (5) site visits revealed that proprietary schools placed a greater emphasis on creating a positive college environment and sense of belonging than community and independent colleges. Findings regarding persistence influences were validated through a follow-up study of non-persisters and continuing persisters from the public/independent school samples, who were also compared with the proprietary school sample. Where appropriate findings related specifically to minority students are highlighted. The follow-up survey is attached. (JMC)