Introduction Over the years there has been a significant decrease in the rate of African American male success in higher education. This not only effects society as a whole, but more importantly, it also effects the African American community. The high percentage of uneducated African American males will result in increased crime rates, decreased lifespans, and an overall hard life. However, this epidemic can be stopped by examining the factors that contribute to the decline in African American male success in higher education and how to change it. Throughout the article I will address the question of why there aren't more Black men in higher education, examining contributing factors such as environmental stressors, student perceptions, racial identity issues, academic and social integration, family education, and media . The dropout rate of African American male students could be dramatically changed and reduced. A better understanding of these differences would allow us to better meet the needs of young Black men. The percentage of white high school graduates “in 1998-2000 had jumped to 46. However, only 40% of African Americans and 34% of Hispanics in the same age group attended college” (McGlynn, Angela Proviteira). The question to ask then is why minority students fail in college compared to Caucasian students: “Only 47 percent of black male students graduated on time from U.S. high schools in 2008, compared to 78 percent of male students whites” (Kafele, B. (2012). Not only… at the center of the paper… black men succeed in college rather than the reason why many do not , B. (2012) Empowering young black males. 74(9), 42-45. Unders, J., Davis, L., Williams, T., & Williams, J.H. (2004) Gender differences in self-perception and academic achievement: A study of African American high school students. Journal of Youth and Adolescent, 33(1), 81-81+ Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204653132?accountid=28458Spradley, P., & ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education, WC (2001). ). Strategies for educating the adult black male in college. ERIC Digest. WOOD, J. (2011). Fall through the cracks. Different: Issues in Higher Education, 28(18), 24.