The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are any external or internal causes of attrition in Hispanic and female engineering students. This study specifically targeted ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic issues (as external factors), and inadequate advising techniques and barrier courses (as internal factors). The population involved both Hispanic and female engineering students in a small university (enrollment less than 7,000), a Hispanic-serving institution located in the coastal bend region in South Texas. The primary research question for this study was, “How do internal and external factors affect student attrition in minority (Hispanics and women) engineering students?” This study presented a background of the study, a literature review, and a discussion of the methodology that was used. A qualitative research method approach was utilized in order to obtain a more in-depth analysis of the potential causes of attrition. The participants included currently enrolled students, students who had graduated with their engineering degrees, and students who had changed majors or withdrew from the university. The findings revealed both internal and external factors could cause attrition in minority and female engineering students. It was recommended the College of Engineering develop a retention plan. A complete analysis of these findings and recommendations was also presented.