This paper identified factors within the higher education environment that significantly influence student retention rates and the timely graduation of traditional full-time, first-time, degree seeking students in the state of Colorado. The paper uses the research findings of national studies and other studies conducted by Wisconsin and California. Profiles of Colorado students were developed with information from a state longitudinal student tracking system. The first of three main sections looks at factors influencing undergraduate student productivity rates: student academic preparedness, family socioeconomic status, and the higher education academic environment. A second section looks at the amount of time that students take to complete baccalaureate degree requirements noting that it has been increasing. Several factors that increase time to graduation are examined including taking fewer credits in order to work while in school, taking additional courses, changing the major field of study, difficulties with registering for courses, repeating coursework, and needing better advising. A summary argues that increasing the productivity of higher education institutions is subject to many complex factors and that each institution must have their own particular plan for affecting graduation and retention rates. Fourteen references are cited. (JB)