Protective factors include a wide variety of variables that increase the likelihood of success. Success in this study is defined as degree attainment at the host institution. This study investigates student protective factors at a community college on the mid-Atlantic coast with four campus locations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants in the last semester of their degree program. Holistic, in vivo, and descriptive coding cycles were used to evaluate the interview content. Two categories of protective factors were identified--internal and external. Four sub-categories of internal factors included sociability, grit, program fit, and habits. Three sub-categories of external factors included connectedness, instruction/advisement, and campus resources. The overarching themes were related to relationships which were built in and out of the college environment. [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.]