Studies of student persistence at the undergraduate level are numerous and well known to those in the field, but at the graduate level, they are far more limited. The latter generally focus on doctoral candidates or those enrolled in professional programs. Master's-degree candidates, especially those who pursue a degree on a part-time basis at a public institution have not received particular attention. This study looked at specific institutional and external factors that might contribute to persistence among part-time master's-level students at a public institution. Independent variables included educational experiences; academic preparedness and support; family and social support and responsibilities; economic and career considerations; physical and mental health; and social and cultural capital. While the authors found that some institutional factors played a role in student persistence, it was primarily factors external to the institution that determined persistence-attrition outcomes within their population. (Contains 4 tables.)