Four-hundred-and-sixty-six undergraduates at a large southeastern university completed a self-administered 46 item online survey (Undergraduate Survey on Attitudes toward a College Education) developed by the authors. Age of respondent was the only demographic factor significantly associated with being apathetic- the younger the student, the greater the apathy. Factors associated with having lower academic apathy/being excited about courses were feeling that their teachers were approachable and having a faculty mentor. Hence, the answer to student apathy may be more faculty than student driven- when faculty are viewed as being approachable and become a mentor (particularly for juniors and seniors), students are more likely to be excited about their courses. Exchange theory was the framework use to explain the findings. Implications and limitations were identified.