This quantitative study examined the relationship between student perceived leadership styles of online university instructors, and the perceived customer satisfaction and retention of online students. Specifically, the four goals of this study were to determine: (a) students' perception of their online instructor's leadership style, (b) if students were satisfied with their online course, (c) if students intended to take other online courses from the studied university, and (d) if there was a relationship between the students' perception of their online instructor's leadership style and the students' satisfaction with their current online course and their desire to take more online courses at the studied university. The conceptual framework of this descriptive study, which used quantitative survey methodology, was based upon the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Form 5x-Short; MLQ-5X) by Avolio and Bass (2004). The survey instrument focused on the nine MLQ leadership styles in the online course room environment. A total of 83 surveys were used to calculate the results of this study, which was conducted at a for-profit institution of higher learning in a southeastern state of the U.S. The study results indicate that the four MLQ leadership styles most strongly associated with satisfaction and retention are idealized influence attributed (IA), intellectual stimulation (IS), individual consideration (IC), and contingent reward (CR). Moderating variables were found to be PC skill, Internet skill, and skill with the online course room platform. Findings are consistent with existing literature. The researcher suggests that this study be repeated at public institutions and include English-Second-Language (ESL) as a moderating variable. [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.]