This study explored the relationships between emotional intelligence, career decision making difficulties, and student retention. The participants included freshmen students in a private Midwestern university. The study compared the scores on an assessment of emotional intelligence, the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), with the scores on the Career Decision Making Difficulties Questionnaire (CDDQ). The subjects were also asked to report their intention to return for a second year of studies. A relationship was found between overall emotional intelligence, intrapersonal skills, stress management, and student retention.