In 1990, a study was conducted at Illinois Central College (ICC) to identify pre- and post-enrollment variables that could serve as predictors of student persistence and to compare persistence between vocational and academic program students. From a population of 656 Applied Science students and 671 Arts and Science students who were first-time, full-time, degree-seeking enrollees in fall 1987, a random sample of 75 students was selected from each group. Students were classified as persisters if, by fall 1989, they had graduated, had requested a transcript sent to a four-year institution, or were still enrolled. Pre-enrollment variables included age, gender, race, American College Testing Program (ACT) score, high school rank and class size, and stated educational goal. Post-enrollment data were obtained from student transcripts. Additionally, a telephone survey of persisters examined self-reported success factors. Study findings included the following: (1) no significant difference was found in persistence rates of vocational and academic program students; (2) among pre-enrollment variables, only ACT scores, student age, and high school percentile were found to be significantly related to student persistence; (3) grade point average and course withdrawal rates were the only significant post-enrollment variables; (4) students surveyed indicated that teachers were the institutional factor most important to their success, while family was the most important personal factor, followed by work, money and transportation. The survey instrument, tabulated survey results, and a 30-item bibliography are included. (JMC)