As both universities and students demonstrate an increasing interest in offering and taking online courses, a better understanding of the causes of student outcomes, such as student achievement has become increasingly important. This study investigated an additional variable, the role of the teacher, which has been hidden within and in many instances even left out of previous studies. A multivariate linear regression indicated that the instructor qualities of years of experience, level of education and practical experience predicted 5.6% of student achievement, while an instructor's level of training predicted 2.1% of student achievement in online courses of higher education. Although the amount at which these teacher qualities make up the overall formula for student success is small, this study has added to our understanding of additional factors impacting student success in higher education online courses.