North Carolina State University
2008 First-Year Student Survey:
College Comparisons of
Students' Evaluation of the Application Process

This document reports college differences in the respondents' experiences with the application process and factors influencing their decision to attend NC State. For information about the survey and analysis methods see "2008 First-Year Student Survey: Introduction, Methods, and Student Demographic Profile". Exact question wording is available on the web or by clicking on the "Q" next to the table heading.

Number of Schools Applied To | Contacts During the Admissions Process | Factors Influencing Attendance Decision | Most Influential Factor |
Satisfaction with Admissions | Virtual Advising Center Rating

Q Number of Schools to Which Respondents Applied

Number of colleges applied to	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
One	14.3%	15.4%	8.5%	8.2%	8.3%	23.2%	7.7%	13.3%	5.3%	8.7%	14.2%
Two	21.4%	20.7%	19.7%	17.6%	20.7%	25.5%	21.7%	23.7%	26.3%	18.6%	15.4%
Three	24.5%	24.7%	30.3%	24.7%	29.8%	21.4%	25.6%	25.2%	18.4%	26.7%	27.8%
Four	18.9%	18.0%	21.8%	22.1%	19.8%	14.3%	22.2%	20.7%	21.1%	22.1%	21.3%
Five or more	20.8%	21.2%	19.7%	27.3%	21.5%	15.6%	22.8%	17.0%	28.9%	23.9%	21.3%
Total (N)	4,160	726	142	425	121	1,232	351	135	76	783	169

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Q Contacts During the Admissions Process

Yes, had contact via:	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Call from faculty/staff	17.0%	14.2%	30.3%	12.2%	27.9%	12.4%	27.6%	7.4%	17.1%	21.3%	21.2%
Call from current student	17.8%	15.4%	44.4%	16.0%	23.8%	13.3%	33.9%	13.2%	5.3%	18.5%	10.6%
Call from graduate	8.6%	8.4%	10.6%	7.8%	8.2%	8.1%	11.1%	7.4%	2.6%	9.6%	7.6%
Letter from outside Admissions Office	59.5%	59.2%	73.9%	58.8%	68.0%	60.2%	67.5%	63.2%	72.4%	49.0%	61.2%
Total (N)	4,169	726	142	425	122	1,237	351	136	76	784	170

Note: Respondents could report more than one contact.
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Q Factors Influencing Decision to Attend NC State

Academic reputation	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	4.17	4.15	4.04	3.99	4.16	4.32	4.11	4.13	4.20	4.09	4.18
5: Very strong influence	39.2%	39.6%	29.6%	30.6%	40.5%	47.3%	33.9%	39.0%	44.6%	34.4%	38.9%
4: Strong influence	41.8%	39.0%	47.9%	43.5%	36.4%	39.9%	46.6%	40.4%	35.1%	44.4%	44.9%
3: Moderate influence	16.1%	18.9%	19.7%	21.6%	22.3%	10.7%	16.7%	16.9%	16.2%	17.7%	12.0%
2: Weak influence	2.2%	1.8%	2.1%	3.1%	.	1.9%	2.3%	2.2%	4.1%	2.6%	3.6%
1: Very weak influence	0.6%	0.7%	0.7%	1.2%	0.8%	0.2%	0.6%	1.5%	.	0.9%	0.6%
Total (N)	4,138	718	142	421	121	1,232	348	136	74	779	167

Cost	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.27	3.21	2.94	3.36	3.25	3.44	3.12	3.28	3.10	3.16	3.33
5: Very strong influence	21.0%	20.6%	9.4%	23.7%	19.0%	25.6%	15.5%	20.8%	13.9%	17.7%	23.3%
4: Strong influence	22.7%	21.2%	20.3%	23.4%	17.2%	25.6%	22.8%	23.1%	25.0%	20.4%	21.4%
3: Moderate influence	30.5%	30.7%	37.0%	29.2%	41.4%	26.2%	31.9%	30.0%	31.9%	34.0%	32.1%
2: Weak influence	14.3%	13.9%	21.7%	12.7%	14.7%	12.5%	17.6%	16.2%	15.3%	15.5%	11.3%
1: Very weak influence	11.5%	13.7%	11.6%	11.0%	7.8%	10.1%	12.2%	10.0%	13.9%	12.3%	11.9%
Total (N)	3,954	685	138	401	116	1,178	329	130	72	746	159

Location	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.67	3.54	3.88	3.81	3.70	3.55	3.71	3.72	3.46	3.84	3.63
5: Very strong influence	27.3%	24.0%	36.6%	32.3%	26.4%	24.0%	23.8%	32.8%	20.3%	32.9%	26.8%
4: Strong influence	31.3%	30.6%	29.6%	31.4%	33.9%	30.8%	35.2%	29.1%	28.4%	32.6%	26.8%
3: Moderate influence	27.3%	27.8%	23.2%	25.7%	28.1%	28.0%	31.8%	20.1%	36.5%	24.3%	33.5%
2: Weak influence	8.7%	10.5%	6.3%	6.4%	6.6%	10.5%	6.9%	13.4%	6.8%	6.6%	8.5%
1: Very weak influence	5.3%	7.2%	4.2%	4.3%	5.0%	6.6%	2.3%	4.5%	8.1%	3.6%	4.3%
Total (N)	4,096	713	142	421	121	1,205	349	134	74	773	164

Size	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.00	2.80	3.27	3.11	3.03	2.81	3.13	3.31	2.66	3.26	2.97
5: Very strong influence	12.4%	8.9%	16.2%	15.2%	12.1%	10.2%	11.9%	23.3%	7.7%	16.2%	8.4%
4: Strong influence	22.1%	19.3%	24.3%	22.9%	24.1%	18.1%	28.1%	20.3%	16.9%	27.4%	22.7%
3: Moderate influence	32.0%	32.6%	35.3%	31.3%	35.3%	30.7%	31.0%	31.6%	30.8%	31.8%	39.0%
2: Weak influence	19.9%	21.5%	19.1%	19.4%	12.1%	24.3%	18.8%	13.5%	23.1%	15.5%	16.9%
1: Very weak influence	13.6%	17.8%	5.1%	11.2%	16.4%	16.7%	10.1%	11.3%	21.5%	9.1%	13.0%
Total (N)	3,924	675	136	402	116	1,149	335	133	65	759	154

Availability of program	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.86	4.09	3.71	3.48	4.09	4.11	3.57	4.13	4.49	3.45	3.91
5: Very strong influence	36.8%	45.2%	27.9%	21.3%	51.7%	46.7%	23.0%	51.1%	71.4%	21.8%	33.1%
4: Strong influence	28.6%	29.2%	34.6%	30.8%	19.0%	28.4%	31.6%	23.7%	15.7%	27.1%	34.4%
3: Moderate influence	22.7%	18.3%	22.1%	29.1%	19.8%	17.0%	30.7%	16.0%	5.7%	31.5%	25.0%
2: Weak influence	7.7%	4.3%	11.0%	12.5%	5.2%	4.9%	8.8%	5.3%	4.3%	13.3%	5.6%
1: Very weak influence	4.3%	3.0%	4.4%	6.3%	4.3%	3.0%	5.9%	3.8%	2.9%	6.3%	1.9%
Total (N)	3,998	703	136	399	116	1,198	339	131	70	746	160

Recommended	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.45	3.44	3.76	3.53	3.58	3.39	3.34	3.67	3.36	3.47	3.35
5: Very strong influence	25.7%	27.0%	31.8%	26.4%	28.8%	25.1%	20.5%	30.2%	24.3%	26.0%	21.0%
4: Strong influence	25.7%	24.2%	32.6%	27.6%	25.2%	24.7%	28.4%	29.4%	17.1%	25.7%	24.5%
3: Moderate influence	25.8%	24.4%	20.5%	26.1%	27.9%	25.0%	25.4%	23.0%	38.6%	26.4%	33.6%
2: Weak influence	13.4%	14.4%	9.8%	12.1%	10.8%	14.4%	15.4%	11.9%	10.0%	13.1%	10.5%
1: Very weak influence	9.4%	10.0%	5.3%	7.8%	7.2%	10.8%	10.3%	5.6%	10.0%	8.8%	10.5%
Total (N)	3,782	652	132	387	111	1,095	331	126	70	735	143

Number of hours transferred/credited	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.23	2.31	2.08	2.25	2.44	2.17	2.30	2.05	2.16	2.23	2.31
5: Very strong influence	5.8%	6.8%	1.1%	7.0%	7.1%	5.4%	6.8%	3.8%	6.8%	5.0%	6.3%
4: Strong influence	8.4%	10.7%	5.7%	5.5%	7.1%	8.6%	10.6%	10.1%	4.5%	6.6%	10.8%
3: Moderate influence	24.3%	23.0%	28.7%	28.0%	34.3%	21.6%	20.3%	15.2%	25.0%	28.8%	25.2%
2: Weak influence	26.3%	25.4%	28.7%	24.4%	25.7%	26.3%	30.5%	29.1%	25.0%	26.1%	22.5%
1: Very weak influence	35.2%	34.0%	35.6%	35.1%	25.7%	38.0%	31.8%	41.8%	38.6%	33.5%	35.1%
Total (N)	2,613	456	87	271	70	776	236	79	44	483	111

Level of support for my intended major	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.85	4.03	3.75	3.22	3.88	4.30	3.52	4.07	4.56	3.26	3.91
5: Very strong influence	37.8%	44.5%	33.8%	13.9%	41.0%	54.1%	20.6%	44.5%	70.7%	19.4%	38.4%
4: Strong influence	27.3%	26.3%	25.7%	26.7%	23.9%	29.4%	33.1%	30.5%	20.0%	22.4%	29.9%
3: Moderate influence	21.8%	20.3%	26.5%	36.5%	23.1%	10.8%	31.0%	15.6%	5.3%	32.4%	19.5%
2: Weak influence	8.0%	5.1%	9.6%	13.9%	6.0%	3.6%	8.4%	6.3%	2.7%	16.3%	8.5%
1: Very weak influence	5.0%	3.7%	4.4%	9.1%	6.0%	2.1%	6.9%	3.1%	1.3%	9.5%	3.7%
Total (N)	3,922	703	136	397	117	1,206	335	128	75	661	164

Facilities and resources available	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.73	3.89	3.66	3.51	3.90	3.83	3.52	3.92	4.11	3.51	3.87
5: Very strong influence	26.9%	32.6%	24.1%	19.3%	32.5%	30.8%	17.4%	29.6%	46.7%	19.8%	30.7%
4: Strong influence	34.6%	35.7%	32.8%	32.7%	33.3%	34.7%	36.0%	42.2%	28.0%	32.9%	36.8%
3: Moderate influence	26.9%	23.0%	29.9%	31.7%	28.3%	24.3%	32.6%	20.0%	17.3%	31.7%	24.5%
2: Weak influence	7.9%	5.6%	11.7%	12.1%	3.3%	7.1%	8.7%	6.7%	5.3%	9.9%	4.3%
1: Very weak influence	3.7%	3.0%	1.5%	4.2%	2.5%	3.1%	5.2%	1.5%	2.7%	5.7%	3.7%
Total (N)	4,047	708	137	404	120	1,210	344	135	75	751	163

Scholarships/financial aid available	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.04	3.07	3.31	3.13	3.37	3.00	2.75	3.06	2.80	2.99	3.27
5: Very strong influence	22.7%	24.9%	31.5%	26.9%	27.8%	20.2%	17.6%	20.7%	16.9%	21.2%	29.1%
4: Strong influence	15.1%	14.2%	15.0%	15.5%	18.5%	16.2%	11.4%	15.3%	8.5%	15.5%	14.9%
3: Moderate influence	23.7%	21.6%	18.9%	20.9%	26.9%	25.1%	25.2%	27.0%	30.5%	22.8%	27.0%
2: Weak influence	20.4%	21.6%	22.0%	17.5%	16.7%	20.7%	20.0%	23.4%	25.4%	21.7%	12.2%
1: Very weak influence	18.2%	17.7%	12.6%	19.2%	10.2%	17.8%	25.9%	13.5%	18.6%	18.8%	16.9%
Total (N)	3,518	626	127	349	108	1,063	290	111	59	637	148

Pack promise program	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.57	2.67	2.74	2.68	2.73	2.39	2.44	2.63	2.10	2.68	2.52
5: Very strong influence	12.6%	14.1%	12.9%	17.6%	12.0%	10.9%	7.9%	15.1%	7.3%	13.7%	10.5%
4: Strong influence	10.1%	9.7%	10.0%	9.7%	12.0%	7.7%	13.9%	8.2%	.	12.9%	9.3%
3: Moderate influence	27.1%	32.4%	34.3%	23.1%	30.7%	24.8%	23.3%	20.5%	22.0%	28.3%	29.1%
2: Weak influence	21.8%	17.0%	24.3%	22.2%	28.0%	22.4%	23.8%	37.0%	36.6%	18.4%	24.4%
1: Very weak influence	28.5%	26.9%	18.6%	27.3%	17.3%	34.2%	31.2%	19.2%	34.1%	26.8%	26.7%
Total (N)	2,188	383	70	216	75	568	202	73	41	474	86

Campus visit prior to orientation	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.36	3.36	3.78	3.44	3.53	3.17	3.57	3.62	3.27	3.39	3.28
5: Very strong influence	18.2%	18.7%	29.2%	21.8%	21.9%	14.0%	22.3%	23.3%	13.6%	18.8%	13.1%
4: Strong influence	29.5%	29.8%	38.3%	29.9%	33.3%	26.0%	32.7%	35.0%	31.8%	29.5%	30.8%
3: Moderate influence	30.8%	30.3%	19.2%	26.0%	27.6%	33.4%	29.7%	27.5%	30.3%	32.2%	36.9%
2: Weak influence	12.7%	11.6%	8.3%	14.9%	10.5%	15.8%	10.0%	8.3%	16.7%	10.9%	10.0%
1: Very weak influence	8.8%	9.6%	5.0%	7.5%	6.7%	10.8%	5.3%	5.8%	7.6%	8.6%	9.2%
Total (N)	3,469	571	120	335	105	1,045	300	120	66	677	130

Contact with a current student	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.23	3.21	3.52	3.43	3.39	3.05	3.22	3.63	3.08	3.34	2.89
5: Very strong influence	18.3%	20.1%	24.3%	24.7%	15.1%	14.8%	16.4%	26.6%	17.6%	18.5%	12.6%
4: Strong influence	26.0%	24.6%	32.2%	25.0%	36.6%	22.8%	28.3%	29.8%	15.7%	30.4%	17.6%
3: Moderate influence	28.7%	27.1%	24.3%	28.6%	29.0%	30.0%	28.0%	26.6%	37.3%	27.6%	35.3%
2: Weak influence	14.3%	12.2%	9.6%	11.9%	10.8%	17.3%	15.0%	13.7%	15.7%	13.9%	15.1%
1: Very weak influence	12.7%	16.1%	9.6%	9.8%	8.6%	15.1%	12.3%	3.2%	13.7%	9.7%	19.3%
Total (N)	3,217	517	115	336	93	920	293	124	51	649	119

Contact with a faculty or staff member	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.53	2.61	2.71	2.45	2.94	2.44	2.54	3.11	2.91	2.35	2.65
5: Very strong influence	9.6%	13.1%	14.4%	7.8%	16.7%	7.8%	7.5%	15.1%	13.6%	7.6%	7.7%
4: Strong influence	13.6%	12.5%	15.6%	13.7%	18.1%	12.3%	14.5%	22.6%	18.2%	11.0%	20.9%
3: Moderate influence	25.4%	25.0%	22.2%	24.9%	27.8%	26.5%	26.0%	32.3%	31.8%	23.1%	22.0%
2: Weak influence	23.3%	21.0%	22.2%	22.9%	18.1%	23.2%	28.0%	18.3%	18.2%	24.9%	27.5%
1: Very weak influence	28.1%	28.4%	25.6%	30.7%	19.4%	30.2%	24.0%	11.8%	18.2%	33.3%	22.0%
Total (N)	2,208	352	90	205	72	616	200	93	44	445	91

Contact with a graduate	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.95	3.07	2.91	3.01	3.05	2.90	2.86	3.13	2.54	2.98	2.51
5: Very strong influence	17.4%	20.1%	17.0%	20.4%	15.6%	16.6%	14.2%	20.0%	13.5%	16.9%	14.8%
4: Strong influence	19.3%	23.0%	18.2%	16.3%	23.4%	19.9%	19.7%	21.2%	10.8%	18.2%	10.2%
3: Moderate influence	24.5%	20.1%	27.3%	26.9%	27.3%	22.7%	24.9%	23.5%	21.6%	29.0%	23.9%
2: Weak influence	18.0%	16.8%	13.6%	16.3%	18.2%	19.0%	20.2%	22.4%	24.3%	17.5%	13.6%
1: Very weak influence	20.8%	19.9%	23.9%	20.0%	15.6%	21.8%	21.0%	12.9%	29.7%	18.4%	37.5%
Total (N)	2,520	422	88	245	77	735	233	85	37	510	88

Letter from outside Admissions Office	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.16	2.13	2.41	2.37	2.17	2.01	2.26	2.46	1.73	2.17	2.15
5: Very strong influence	4.3%	4.8%	5.4%	5.5%	1.3%	3.0%	4.4%	8.8%	.	5.2%	3.4%
4: Strong influence	9.1%	8.6%	12.9%	13.6%	9.2%	7.6%	9.6%	7.5%	3.0%	8.7%	11.5%
3: Moderate influence	23.1%	22.3%	28.0%	24.6%	26.3%	20.1%	25.4%	28.8%	15.2%	24.8%	19.5%
2: Weak influence	25.1%	23.1%	24.7%	24.6%	31.6%	25.8%	28.5%	31.3%	33.3%	20.8%	27.6%
1: Very weak influence	38.4%	41.3%	29.0%	31.7%	31.6%	43.5%	32.0%	23.8%	48.5%	40.6%	37.9%
Total (N)	2,166	373	93	199	76	593	228	80	33	404	87

Attendance at a College Fair	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.34	2.32	2.50	2.39	2.30	2.36	2.31	2.67	2.09	2.30	2.24
5: Very strong influence	5.6%	5.0%	8.5%	7.8%	6.3%	5.9%	3.6%	8.3%	.	5.4%	2.3%
4: Strong influence	12.4%	11.7%	13.4%	14.1%	11.1%	12.4%	13.8%	19.0%	11.8%	10.4%	11.4%
3: Moderate influence	25.6%	27.7%	22.0%	20.8%	19.0%	26.8%	24.6%	27.4%	26.5%	25.5%	28.4%
2: Weak influence	23.6%	21.5%	31.7%	24.0%	33.3%	21.2%	25.6%	21.4%	20.6%	25.5%	23.9%
1: Very weak influence	32.8%	34.1%	24.4%	33.3%	30.2%	33.7%	32.3%	23.8%	41.2%	33.1%	34.1%
Total (N)	2,142	358	82	192	63	623	195	84	34	423	88

Publications from NC State	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.31	2.31	2.46	2.48	2.26	2.19	2.40	2.42	2.10	2.35	2.22
5: Very strong influence	4.7%	4.0%	6.5%	7.0%	3.8%	3.9%	3.8%	6.7%	2.6%	5.8%	4.1%
4: Strong influence	10.5%	12.6%	8.6%	9.0%	9.0%	7.7%	15.5%	8.9%	12.8%	11.6%	10.3%
3: Moderate influence	26.8%	25.6%	31.2%	34.8%	24.4%	25.6%	27.3%	30.0%	15.4%	25.7%	23.7%
2: Weak influence	27.3%	26.3%	32.3%	23.4%	34.6%	29.5%	23.9%	28.9%	30.8%	25.9%	26.8%
1: Very weak influence	30.8%	31.6%	21.5%	25.8%	28.2%	33.3%	29.4%	25.6%	38.5%	30.9%	35.1%
Total (N)	2,549	430	93	244	78	723	238	90	39	517	97

Acceptance into First Year College	NCSU	College/School
		FYC
Mean Rating	3.87	3.87
5: Very strong influence	35.5%	35.5%
4: Strong influence	30.9%	30.9%
3: Moderate influence	23.3%	23.3%
2: Weak influence	5.7%	5.7%
1: Very weak influence	4.7%	4.7%
Total (N)	722	722

Campus recreation programs	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.95	2.85	2.99	3.02	3.34	2.81	3.06	2.81	2.28	3.18	2.77
5: Very strong influence	11.4%	11.0%	12.1%	11.7%	17.3%	9.4%	11.0%	9.3%	.	15.6%	7.3%
4: Strong influence	20.9%	17.5%	23.3%	25.6%	36.5%	18.1%	25.0%	15.7%	11.3%	23.6%	16.9%
3: Moderate influence	34.2%	33.2%	29.3%	32.8%	22.1%	34.9%	36.0%	38.0%	35.8%	34.9%	38.7%
2: Weak influence	17.7%	22.3%	22.4%	12.0%	10.6%	18.9%	14.6%	20.4%	22.6%	15.2%	20.2%
1: Very weak influence	15.7%	16.0%	12.9%	17.8%	13.5%	18.7%	13.3%	16.7%	30.2%	10.7%	16.9%
Total (N)	3,452	600	116	332	104	1,008	308	108	53	699	124

Other	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	4.15	4.49	4.42	4.19	3.85	3.95	4.02	4.67	4.82	4.07	4.08
5: Very strong influence	61.4%	73.8%	75.0%	61.0%	38.5%	55.4%	58.5%	91.7%	81.8%	57.1%	58.3%
4: Strong influence	13.6%	11.5%	8.3%	13.6%	38.5%	13.9%	17.1%	.	18.2%	12.4%	8.3%
3: Moderate influence	13.1%	9.8%	8.3%	15.3%	7.7%	12.9%	7.3%	.	.	19.0%	25.0%
2: Weak influence	2.8%	.	.	3.4%	.	5.9%	2.4%	.	.	2.9%	.
1: Very weak influence	9.1%	4.9%	8.3%	6.8%	15.4%	11.9%	14.6%	8.3%	.	8.6%	8.3%
Total (N)	427	61	12	59	13	101	41	12	11	105	12

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Q Most Influential Factor Influencing Decision to Attend NC State

Most influential factor	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Academic reputation	24.1%	18.3%	19.0%	21.8%	20.9%	25.6%	35.7%	21.4%	18.1%	27.0%	19.1%
Cost	4.8%	4.4%	1.6%	4.5%	5.2%	5.8%	5.2%	5.3%	1.4%	4.6%	3.9%
Location	9.4%	6.2%	18.3%	17.0%	9.6%	4.8%	13.6%	12.2%	1.4%	12.5%	8.6%
Size	1.1%	0.4%	2.4%	1.9%	1.7%	0.2%	2.6%	0.8%	.	1.8%	0.7%
Availability of program	12.3%	18.8%	2.4%	5.1%	20.9%	15.2%	6.5%	18.3%	30.6%	5.4%	12.5%
Recommended	5.8%	5.6%	10.3%	11.2%	5.2%	4.0%	6.5%	6.1%	1.4%	5.9%	2.6%
Number of hours transferred/credited	0.2%	.	.	0.5%	0.9%	0.1%	.	0.8%	1.4%	0.1%	.
Level of support for my intended major	17.2%	22.7%	15.1%	5.6%	13.0%	27.0%	6.2%	16.8%	34.7%	6.1%	21.1%
Facilities and resources available	3.3%	4.1%	0.8%	3.2%	6.1%	3.9%	1.6%	2.3%	4.2%	1.7%	7.2%
Scholarships/financial aid available	5.4%	5.5%	13.5%	9.0%	3.5%	3.7%	4.9%	2.3%	1.4%	4.4%	12.5%
Pack Promise Program	1.5%	1.6%	1.6%	3.7%	2.6%	1.2%	1.0%	.	.	1.4%	0.7%
Campus visit prior to orientation	3.3%	3.0%	5.6%	4.5%	3.5%	2.4%	6.2%	6.1%	.	2.5%	4.6%
Contact with a current student	2.6%	3.1%	3.2%	4.0%	1.7%	1.2%	1.9%	1.5%	.	4.8%	1.3%
Contact with a faculty or staff member	0.4%	0.4%	.	0.3%	.	0.5%	.	.	.	0.4%	0.7%
Contact with a graduate	1.2%	1.3%	2.4%	1.3%	0.9%	1.1%	1.9%	0.8%	.	1.4%	.
Letter from someone other than admissions	0.1%	0.1%	.	0.3%	.	0.1%	.	.	.	0.3%	.
Attendance at a College Fair	0.1%	0.1%	.	.	.	0.1%	.	.	.	.	.
Publications from NC State	0.1%	.	.	0.3%	0.9%	.	.	.	.	0.3%	.
Extracurricular opportunities	1.4%	1.2%	.	0.8%	1.7%	0.7%	1.6%	2.3%	.	2.4%	3.3%
Acceptance into First Year College	2.1%	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	.	11.3%	.
Campus recreation programs	0.3%	0.1%	.	0.5%	.	0.1%	1.0%	.	.	0.7%	.
Other	3.2%	2.8%	4.0%	4.5%	1.7%	2.1%	3.6%	3.1%	5.6%	4.9%	1.3%
Total (N)	3,763	677	126	376	115	1,096	308	131	72	710	152

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Q Satisfaction with University Admissions

Satisfaction with university admissions	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.45	3.47	3.52	3.49	3.38	3.43	3.57	3.32	3.47	3.41	3.52
4: Very satisfied	51.9%	53.3%	56.7%	55.0%	45.1%	51.1%	61.2%	41.2%	50.0%	47.5%	55.4%
3: Moderately satisfied	42.5%	41.6%	39.0%	40.0%	48.4%	42.3%	35.3%	50.0%	47.4%	46.4%	41.1%
2: Moderately dissatisfied	4.8%	4.2%	3.5%	3.8%	5.7%	5.5%	2.3%	8.1%	2.6%	5.7%	3.6%
1: Very dissatisfied	0.8%	1.0%	0.7%	1.2%	0.8%	1.1%	1.1%	0.7%	.	0.4%	.
Total (N)	4,138	722	141	420	122	1,231	348	136	76	774	168

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Q Satisfaction with Departmental Admissions

Satisfaction with dept. admissions	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	3.43	3.46	3.48	3.45	3.46	3.42	3.56	3.48	3.63	3.30	3.53
4: Very satisfied	51.0%	52.9%	56.8%	53.4%	53.3%	49.1%	60.1%	57.1%	65.8%	41.1%	57.1%
3: Moderately satisfied	42.3%	40.7%	36.0%	39.2%	40.0%	44.6%	36.7%	35.3%	31.6%	48.8%	39.9%
2: Moderately dissatisfied	5.9%	5.9%	5.8%	5.9%	5.8%	5.6%	2.6%	6.0%	2.6%	9.1%	2.5%
1: Very dissatisfied	0.9%	0.6%	1.4%	1.5%	0.8%	0.8%	0.6%	1.5%	.	1.0%	0.6%
Total (N)	3,983	700	139	406	120	1,180	343	133	76	723	163

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Q Satisfaction with Financial Aid Process

Satisfaction with financial aid process	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Mean Rating	2.98	3.01	3.25	3.02	2.96	2.91	3.00	2.81	2.74	3.01	3.11
4: Very satisfied	31.5%	34.8%	41.7%	33.7%	28.9%	27.9%	30.3%	21.3%	22.4%	33.5%	36.9%
3: Moderately satisfied	42.0%	38.0%	43.5%	40.7%	46.4%	43.3%	45.0%	46.8%	43.1%	41.0%	42.6%
2: Moderately dissatisfied	19.5%	20.1%	13.0%	19.2%	16.5%	21.0%	19.3%	23.4%	20.7%	18.8%	14.9%
1: Very dissatisfied	7.0%	7.1%	1.9%	6.4%	8.2%	7.8%	5.5%	8.5%	13.8%	6.7%	5.7%
Total (N)	3,146	566	108	344	97	951	238	94	58	549	141

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Q Virtual Advising Center Rating

	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Excellent	6.2%	5.8%	12.0%	5.9%	7.6%	3.9%	6.8%	11.0%	7.9%	8.1%	5.9%
Good	17.2%	16.9%	29.6%	15.8%	24.4%	12.0%	21.4%	23.5%	13.2%	19.9%	18.8%
Fair	3.7%	4.3%	3.5%	4.5%	4.2%	3.7%	1.7%	3.7%	6.6%	3.2%	4.7%
Poor	0.8%	0.6%	1.4%	1.7%	1.7%	0.6%	0.6%	.	3.9%	0.8%	.
Know about/did not use	7.5%	9.0%	3.5%	6.9%	5.9%	7.0%	7.4%	8.8%	5.3%	6.8%	14.7%
Did not know about	64.6%	63.5%	50.0%	65.2%	56.3%	72.9%	62.1%	52.9%	63.2%	61.3%	55.9%
Total (N)	4,161	726	142	423	119	1,236	351	136	76	782	170

Virtual Advising Center Rating (among those who used the website, N=1,161)

	NCSU	College/School
		CALS	CED	CHASS	CNR	COE	COM	COT	Design	FYC	PAMS
Excellent	22.3%	21.0%	25.8%	21.2%	20.0%	19.3%	22.4%	28.8%	25.0%	25.2%	20.0%
Good	61.5%	61.5%	63.6%	56.8%	64.4%	59.4%	70.1%	61.5%	41.7%	62.4%	64.0%
Fair	13.4%	15.5%	7.6%	16.1%	11.1%	18.5%	5.6%	9.6%	20.8%	10.0%	16.0%
Poor	2.8%	2.0%	3.0%	5.9%	4.4%	2.8%	1.9%	.	12.5%	2.4%	.
Total (N)	1,161	200	66	118	45	249	107	52	24	250	50

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For more information on the 2008 First-Year Student Survey contact:
Dr. Nancy Whelchel, Associate Director for Survey Research
Office of Institutional Planning and Research
Box 7002
NCSU
Phone: (919) 515-4184
Email: Nancy_Whelchel@ncsu.edu

Posted: March, 2009

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