IntroductionResearch focused on commitment in heterosexual relationships has resulted in a broad exclusion of college students' involvement in same-sex relationships. Many theoretical ideas and meanings of relationship commitment for same-sex couples have typically been generalized from heterosexual relationships (Rostosky et al., 2006). The overlap of concepts of commitment based on heterosexual relationships with homosexual relationships must be tested rather than assumed. Even though similarities are seen between the two, identifying them as one dismisses the important differences and understanding of the struggles present in same-sex relationships. Being in a marginalized relationship negatively impacts the level of commitment of same-sex partners (Rostosky et al., 2006). The level of commitment in any intimate relationship can be measured using the investment model. This model states that the level of commitment is determined by three distinct factors: satisfaction, quality of alternatives and investments (Miller, 2012). Relationship satisfaction increases a person's commitment to a relationship because people in partnerships generally want to be happy. However, if there are better potential partners outside the relationship, this also affects commitment. This is where the superior qualities factor in the investment model is to measure engagement. The more better alternatives there are outside of your current relationship, the more likely you are to be less committed to the relationship. Finally, investment is a measure of the potential losses one would incur if they dissolved the relationship. This article will focus on how same-sex relationships differ from heterosexual relationships using the distinct factor...... middle of article......ut, AW (2007). Close relationships between lesbians and gays. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 405-424. Rostosky, SS, Riggle, ED, Dudley, MG, & Wright, ML (2006). Commitment in same-sex relationships: A qualitative analysis of couple conversations. Journal of Homosexuality, 51, 199-223. doi:10.1300/J082v51n03_10Rostosky, S., Riggle, E., Gray, B., & Hatton, R. (2007). Minority experiences of stress in committed relationships between same-sex couples. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 38, 392-400. Shieh, W. (2010). Relationship commitment in gay and lesbian couples in Taiwan: A preliminary study. Journal of Homosexuality, 57(10), 1334-1354. Whisman, MA, Uebelacker, LA and Weinstock, LM (2004). Psychopathology and marital satisfaction: The importance of evaluating both partners. Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, 72, 830–838.