African American students' persistence at a predominantly white university: Influences of social support, university comfort, and self-beliefs

The influence of social support, university comfort, and self-beliefs on th e persistence decisions of 98 African American undergraduates attending a p redominantly White university was examined. Each construct significantly pr edicted persistence, with university comfort and social support the stronge st predictors. A positive perception of the university environment was rela ted to higher cultural congruity and perceived mentorship.