Native American Indian (NAI) students continue to graduate from college at much lower rates than their peers. However, it was not known how NAI students perceived the lived experiences that positively influenced their ability to continue in their pursuit of a bachelor's degree. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify the lived experiences NAI students recognized as positively influencing their ability to continue in their pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Tinto's retention theory and HeavyRunner and DeCelle's Family Education Model provided the theoretical frameworks for the study. The study's sample consisted of 18 NAI students who were graduating with a bachelor's degree from either Fort Lewis College or Arizona State University in May or September 2015. Findings, resulting primarily from the interviews and supported by a questionnaire and field notes, uncovered a collective set of experiences these students revealed as most important in explaining why they persisted in completing their bachelor's degree. Dominant themes included: Native American Centers (NACs) designed to support the academic success and personal development of all NAI students, retention programs, support systems, family, community, financial support, cultural identity, spirituality, strategies, and social activities. An overview of the findings showed major contributors to persistence were influenced by positive lived college experiences, academic success and personal development support programs at the NACs, family and tribal community relationships, financial support, spirituality, and cultural identity. Keywords: Native American Indian (NAI), Native American Centers (NACs), Tinto's retention theory, HeavyRunner and DeCelle's Family Education Model.. [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.]