The SEM is an appropriate means to evaluate the facilitators and barriers to the retention and success of the culturally diverse nursing student. Researchers link health disparities in marginalized populations with diversity of the health care workforce. Consequently, the SEM provides a multidimensional view of the problem of focus, while providing a guide for the development for sustainable solutions to address the issues. Additional research is necessary using a social determinant of health model such as the SEM to facilitate dialogue and change in current retention strategies.