The article examines the impact of student engagement on first-year college grades and persistence. It highlights that student engagement in educationally purposeful activities is positively related to academic outcomes and persistence. The study used data from 18 colleges and universities, including Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Student engagement was measured through time spent studying, participation in co-curricular activities, and a global measure of engagement in effective educational practices. The study found that student engagement had a small but statistically significant effect on first-year grades. Additionally, the effects of engagement varied by student characteristics such as race and ethnicity and prior academic achievement. For example, students with lower pre-college academic achievement benefited more from engagement in educationally purposeful activities. Similarly, Hispanic students showed a greater advantage in first-year GPA compared to White students when engaged in such activities. The study also found that student engagement positively influenced persistence to the second year of college. The effects of engagement were consistent across different racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, the study noted that the impact of engagement was more pronounced for students with lower academic preparation and those from underrepresented groups. The study concluded that student engagement is a critical factor in student success in college. Institutions should focus on creating environments that encourage student engagement through effective educational practices, such as first-year seminars, learning communities, and service-learning courses. These practices help students develop academic skills, social integration, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for long-term success. The study also emphasized the importance of early interventions and sustained attention at key transition points to support student success. Overall, the findings suggest that fostering student engagement is essential for improving academic achievement, persistence, and overall student success in college.The article examines the impact of student engagement on first-year college grades and persistence. It highlights that student engagement in educationally purposeful activities is positively related to academic outcomes and persistence. The study used data from 18 colleges and universities, including Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Student engagement was measured through time spent studying, participation in co-curricular activities, and a global measure of engagement in effective educational practices. The study found that student engagement had a small but statistically significant effect on first-year grades. Additionally, the effects of engagement varied by student characteristics such as race and ethnicity and prior academic achievement. For example, students with lower pre-college academic achievement benefited more from engagement in educationally purposeful activities. Similarly, Hispanic students showed a greater advantage in first-year GPA compared to White students when engaged in such activities. The study also found that student engagement positively influenced persistence to the second year of college. The effects of engagement were consistent across different racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, the study noted that the impact of engagement was more pronounced for students with lower academic preparation and those from underrepresented groups. The study concluded that student engagement is a critical factor in student success in college. Institutions should focus on creating environments that encourage student engagement through effective educational practices, such as first-year seminars, learning communities, and service-learning courses. These practices help students develop academic skills, social integration, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for long-term success. The study also emphasized the importance of early interventions and sustained attention at key transition points to support student success. Overall, the findings suggest that fostering student engagement is essential for improving academic achievement, persistence, and overall student success in college.