This study was part of a program evaluation that examined academic performance and retention differences between first-term students who completed a subject-based first-year experience (FYE) course (n = 381) and comparable first-term students (n = 332) who did not enroll in an FYE course. Actual grade point averages and re-enrollment rates across three semesters were the outcomes of interest. Results indicated that differences in academic performance and persistence were unrelated to completion of a FYE course. Analysis focused at the program level could elucidate course intervention differences across instructors and disciplines as an explanation for these results. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)