This overview report presents findings from all first-year students participating in the First-Year Student Surveys from 1994-2009. Tables detailing mean ratings and/or frequency distributions for all survey items asked in multiple years are included. In some cases, minor changes have been made in survey item wording over the years. Such changes are noted beneath affected tables. Many recurring survey items were not asked in earlier years or were asked in ways that make the item incomparable with later years. Years in which certain items were not asked or are not comparable over time have been omitted from the tables or have been assigned "NA" to indicate that the category does not apply to results for that year. For information about the survey and analysis methods, see "First-Year Student Survey Trends, 1994-2009: Introduction, Methods, and Student Demographic Profile."
This section presents background information provided by first-year students who responded to the surveys, including home community and household characteristics, religious preference, musical interests, and technical capabilities.
The distribution of respondents' high school area populations has changed very little over time. A majority of students reported that they come from a moderate-sized city or larger. In each year, less than one-fifth reported coming to NC State from a rural area.
Table 1: Home CommunityHigh school area population (Q) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rural area | 16.4% | 18.9% | 18.1% | 17.3% | 17.4% | 17.2% | 16.0% | 16.1% | 17.2% | 16.4% | 18.2% | 15.3% | 15.5% | 13.1% | 14.4% | 15.4% |
Small town | 24.3% | 24.9% | 25.5% | 24.4% | 26.4% | 24.7% | 24.8% | 25.4% | 26.7% | 26.5% | 26.1% | 26.7% | 24.0% | 24.9% | 26.1% | 27.7% |
Moderate city | 30.8% | 28.3% | 27.3% | 29.7% | 29.9% | 28.4% | 27.6% | 29.0% | 27.1% | 28.2% | 29.9% | 28.5% | 29.7% | 30.3% | 30.9% | 29.1% |
Large city | 14.1% | 12.3% | 12.9% | 12.2% | 13.2% | 12.6% | 17.0% | 13.3% | 13.3% | 13.6% | 12.4% | 14.8% | 14.7% | 15.8% | 14.3% | 13.0% |
Urban area | 14.4% | 15.5% | 16.2% | 16.3% | 13.1% | 17.2% | 14.6% | 16.1% | 15.7% | 15.3% | 13.5% | 14.7% | 16.1% | 15.9% | 14.3% | 14.9% |
Total (N) | 2,772 | 2,685 | 3,130 | 3,049 | 3,100 | 2,868 | 3,267 | 3,313 | 3,066 | 3,300 | 3,182 | 3,421 | 3,662 | 4,158 | 3,612 | 3,022 |
Household Characteristics (Tables 2-7)
With the exception of 2009, first-year students' reports of household size have changed very little since 1994. Prior to 2009, between 60 and 65 percent of respondents reported that their household contains four or more members. This figure jumped to 72 percent in 2009. However, this increase is likely due to a slight change in question wording on the 2009 survey. In each survey year, more than 60 percent of respondents said they were the only household dependent in college, ranging from a high of 71 percent in 1994 to a low of 64 percent in 2009.
Students were asked to report their parents' or guardians' combined income before taxes in the year prior to their freshman year in college. Student reports indicate that parent/guardian income has increased over time. Separate analyses looking at income in constant dollars (not reported here), suggest that the increase is not solely the result of inflation, but also indicative of a real shift in the income levels of first year students' parents/guardians. Over the survey years, the percentage of households grossing over $100,000 annually has increased, while the percentage grossing $30,000 or less has held fairly steady.
In each survey year at least 60 percent of respondents reported that the educational attainment of their father/male guardian was a baccalaureate degree or higher. The proportion of mothers/female guardians with a baccalaureate degree or higher increased across survey years, from about 50 percent in 1996 to 59 percent in 2009. A small proportion (less than 10 percent) of first year students in each survey year reported that neither parent had attended college, with the lowest level of first-generation students being reported in 2009 (6%).
Table 2: Household SizeNumber in Household (Q*) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One | 3.4% | 4.0% | 3.6% | 3.6% | 4.2% | 3.6% | 3.4% | 3.0% | 4.1% | 3.9% | 4.1% | 4.1% | 3.5% | 3.4% | 3.4% | 1.9% |
Two | 10.8% | 11.7% | 11.7% | 10.2% | 11.0% | 12.0% | 10.1% | 9.8% | 11.9% | 11.4% | 10.6% | 11.6% | 11.0% | 10.1% | 10.4% | 7.5% |
Three | 24.4% | 23.7% | 22.7% | 23.4% | 23.1% | 21.8% | 21.8% | 22.7% | 22.7% | 22.0% | 23.4% | 22.0% | 21.9% | 22.6% | 22.4% | 18.7% |
Four | 38.6% | 39.9% | 38.2% | 39.3% | 39.6% | 39.7% | 41.8% | 40.6% | 37.5% | 39.6% | 37.2% | 38.1% | 39.6% | 39.6% | 39.7% | 42.5% |
Five or more | 22.9% | 20.7% | 23.9% | 23.5% | 22.1% | 23.0% | 23.0% | 23.9% | 23.7% | 23.1% | 24.8% | 24.2% | 24.0% | 24.3% | 24.1% | 29.4% |
Total (N) | 2,770 | 2,691 | 3,123 | 3,044 | 3,087 | 2,875 | 3,282 | 3,306 | 3,061 | 3,286 | 3,181 | 3,545 | 3,822 | 4,343 | 4,103 | 3,004 |
Number of dependents in college (Q) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Only self | 70.6% | 68.7% | 67.9% | 68.6% | 69.2% | 68.3% | 68.5% | 68.2% | 67.8% | 67.4% | 67.5% | 67.0% | 66.2% | 65.8% | 66.6% | 64.3% |
Two | 23.0% | 26.2% | 27.6% | 28.1% | 27.2% | 28.4% | 27.9% | 27.9% | 28.3% | 28.6% | 27.8% | 28.8% | 29.0% | 29.7% | 28.3% | 29.9% |
Three or more | 6.4% | 5.2% | 4.5% | 3.3% | 3.7% | 3.3% | 3.5% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 4.7% | 4.1% | 4.9% | 4.5% | 5.1% | 5.8% |
Total (N) | 2,770 | 2,638 | 3,059 | 2,989 | 3,049 | 2,838 | 3,242 | 3,278 | 3,027 | 3,242 | 3,138 | 3,494 | 3,797 | 4,292 | 4,069 | 3,007 |
Parent/guardian income (Q) | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,000 or less | 14.0% | 13.0% | 13.2% | 10.0% | 10.4% | 10.2% | 10.7% | 11.1% | 10.8% | 10.1% | 10.3% | 9.0% | 9.2% | 9.7% |
$30,001-$50,000 | 21.6% | 21.0% | 20.1% | 17.4% | 15.4% | 15.6% | 15.2% | 14.9% | 14.6% | 15.2% | 13.9% | 12.8% | 12.9% | 11.3% |
$50,001-$75,000 | 26.9% | 29.8% | 28.6% | 28.1% | 25.3% | 24.8% | 24.8% | 24.0% | 21.0% | 20.8% | 21.8% | 20.6% | 20.4% | 18.0% |
$75,001-$100,000 | 17.8% | 16.6% | 17.5% | 19.1% | 20.7% | 19.1% | 18.8% | 19.3% | 19.3% | 19.5% | 18.9% | 18.9% | 18.0% | 20.9% |
$100,001-$150,000 | 11.8% | 11.3% | 13.3% | 14.9% | 17.1% | 17.4% | 17.8% | 17.7% | 20.3% | 19.2% | 19.7% | 21.3% | 21.8% | 22.0% |
$150,001-$200,000 | 4.2% | 4.3% | 3.5% | 5.0% | 5.7% | 7.5% | 6.5% | 7.0% | 7.3% | 7.1% | 8.0% | 8.8% | 8.0% | 9.9% |
More than $200,000 | 3.6% | 4.0% | 3.8% | 5.4% | 5.5% | 5.4% | 6.1% | 6.1% | 6.7% | 7.9% | 7.3% | 8.6% | 9.8% | 8.2% |
Total (N) | 3,155 | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 2,847 |
Father/male guardian education (Q) | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Less than high school | 2.9% | 3.1% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.3% | 1.9% | 2.2% | 2.3% | 2.8% | 2.1% | 2.1% | 2.1% | 2.8% | 2.6% |
High school graduate | 14.1% | 14.2% | 14.9% | 13.7% | 13.8% | 13.4% | 13.9% | 14.1% | 13.3% | 13.8% | 15.0% | 13.6% | 13.5% | 12.7% |
Some college (no degree) | 13.7% | 12.8% | 12.2% | 11.1% | 10.7% | 11.7% | 11.3% | 11.1% | 12.6% | 12.2% | 12.0% | 12.0% | 11.9% | 12.7% |
2-year associate degree/certificate | 8.6% | 9.5% | 10.1% | 10.6% | 9.5% | 10.1% | 10.1% | 9.7% | 9.9% | 10.1% | 9.9% | 10.0% | 10.3% | 8.9% |
4-year baccalaureate degree | 32.0% | 32.0% | 33.1% | 33.1% | 32.6% | 33.4% | 34.0% | 34.9% | 33.8% | 34.5% | 35.1% | 33.8% | 33.1% | 34.5% |
Some graduate/prof. coursework (no degree) | 5.0% | 4.7% | 3.4% | 4.1% | 3.9% | 3.3% | 2.9% | 2.8% | 3.1% | 3.4% | 3.0% | 3.3% | 3.2% | 2.8% |
Master's degree | 16.1% | 15.3% | 15.7% | 15.9% | 17.9% | 17.0% | 16.3% | 16.5% | 16.7% | 15.5% | 15.9% | 16.2% | 16.7% | 17.2% |
Doctorate or other professional degree | 7.7% | 8.6% | 8.0% | 9.0% | 9.2% | 9.2% | 9.3% | 8.7% | 7.8% | 8.3% | 7.1% | 8.8% | 8.5% | 6.8% |
Don't know/not applicable | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1.9% |
Total (N) | 3,046 | 2,994 | 3,023 | 2,867 | 3,138 | 3,172 | 2,939 | 3,144 | 3,088 | 3,294 | 3,524 | 4,068 | 3,468 | 3,007 |
Mother/female guardian education (Q) | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Less than high school | 1.7% | 1.9% | 1.8% | 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.3% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.5% | 1.3% | 2.0% |
High school graduate | 19.0% | 17.9% | 18.1% | 15.3% | 15.5% | 15.7% | 14.3% | 14.0% | 13.3% | 12.0% | 13.7% | 11.4% | 11.9% | 10.8% |
Some college (no degree) | 15.5% | 13.7% | 13.1% | 12.3% | 12.7% | 11.6% | 12.5% | 13.2% | 12.4% | 14.2% | 12.6% | 13.2% | 12.6% | 14.2% |
2-year associate degree/certificate | 14.3% | 14.8% | 14.7% | 16.3% | 13.7% | 14.8% | 13.3% | 14.3% | 15.2% | 15.4% | 15.0% | 14.6% | 14.5% | 13.4% |
4-year baccalaureate degree | 28.3% | 31.4% | 30.3% | 33.3% | 33.8% | 33.8% | 34.5% | 35.9% | 36.0% | 34.0% | 36.7% | 36.5% | 36.8% | 36.7% |
Some graduate/prof. coursework (no degree) | 4.6% | 4.9% | 4.3% | 3.6% | 3.6% | 3.6% | 3.8% | 2.9% | 3.9% | 3.9% | 3.7% | 3.4% | 4.2% | 3.4% |
Master's degree | 15.1% | 13.9% | 15.5% | 15.0% | 16.9% | 15.9% | 17.0% | 15.7% | 15.2% | 15.1% | 14.0% | 15.8% | 15.2% | 14.9% |
Doctorate or other professional degree | 1.5% | 1.7% | 2.1% | 2.6% | 2.5% | 2.9% | 3.1% | 2.8% | 2.3% | 3.8% | 2.9% | 3.6% | 3.6% | 3.5% |
Don't know/not applicable | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1.2% |
Total (N) | 3,087 | 3,018 | 3,059 | 2,878 | 3,155 | 3,165 | 2,837 | 3,121 | 3,023 | 3,317 | 3,585 | 4,113 | 3,912 | 2,883 |
1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First generation college student | 9.4% | 8.6% | 9.7% | 7.6% | 8.3% | 8.4% | 7.9% | 7.5% | 6.9% | 7.0% | 8.1% | 6.9% | 7.3% | 6.4% |
First gen, at least one parent some college/no degree | 21.8% | 21.0% | 20.0% | 20.4% | 18.4% | 19.5% | 19.0% | 19.6% | 20.7% | 21.5% | 20.5% | 20.2% | 20.2% | 19.9% |
Not first generation | 68.8% | 70.4% | 70.4% | 72.1% | 73.3% | 72.1% | 73.1% | 72.9% | 72.4% | 71.5% | 71.5% | 73.0% | 72.5% | 73.8% |
Total (N) | 3,111 | 3,032 | 3,076 | 2,889 | 3,288 | 3,295 | 3,056 | 3,293 | 3,187 | 3,564 | 3,833 | 4,352 | 4,096 | 2,999 |
Over the 15 years of the survey respondents have been asked to indicated their religious preference from a list that grew in length over the years, totaling over 35 specific religions in 2009. Only minor variations in the distribution of first year students' religious preferences have occurred since 1995. Baptist, Catholic, and United Methodist are consistently the most commonly reported religious affiliations, followed by Presbyterian and Inter/Nondenominational. Less than 5 percent of the students selected any of the other individual religions asked about. With the exception of 2009, in each year a substantial minority (usually around 15 percent) reported that they have no religious preference. This figure was a low of 6.4 percent in 2009, most likely due to the addition of the response option, "prefer not to answer" in 2009.
Table 8: Religious Preference (subset of most commonly reported religions from a list of over 35)Religious preference (Q) | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baptist | 31.6% | 28.0% | 30.3% | 27.4% | 26.2% | 25.4% | 25.1% | 24.7% | 26.4% | 27.8% | 25.6% | 26.1% | 27.0% | 25.7% | 22.8% |
Catholic | 11.7% | 13.0% | 12.9% | 11.6% | 12.9% | 12.7% | 13.0% | 12.8% | 13.7% | 12.2% | 12.4% | 15.0% | 14.4% | 14.3% | 12.4% |
Presbyterian | NA | 8.5% | 7.8% | 8.2% | 9.1% | 8.6% | 7.4% | 7.5% | 7.7% | 7.5% | 7.8% | 8.4% | 8.0% | 7.3% | 6.7% |
United Methodist | 16.0% | 15.2% | 14.8% | 15.3% | 16.4% | 15.2% | 14.8% | 14.8% | 14.4% | 16.3% | 14.0% | 13.7% | 14.5% | 14.4% | 11.8% |
Inter/Nondenomination* | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 6.6% | 6.8% | 7.4% | 2.6% | 4.9% | 5.3% | 9.8% | 10.6% | 7.9% | 5.1% |
No preference | 14.5% | 13.8% | 15.5% | 15.8% | 15.7% | 13.3% | 15.0% | 14.8% | 15.3% | 14.9% | 15.4% | 15.7% | 16.5% | 16.1% | 6.4% |
Total (N) | 2,683 | 3,069 | 2,992 | 3,039 | 2,878 | 3,253 | 3,267 | 3,041 | 3,090 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,237 |
Beginning in 2000, respondents were asked if they intended to have a personal computer at NC State. The percentage of students reporting that they plan to have a personal computer at NC State has increased steadily across survey years, from about 80 percent in 2000 to 98 percent in 2009. Since 2000, there has been a notable change in the type of computer students plan to bring to campus. In 2000, among those who planned to bring a computer to campus, close to 70 percent planned to bring a desktop. By 2009, this figure had dropped to about 1 percent, with the vast majority planning to bring a laptop.
Table 9: Technical CapabilitiesHave personal computer at NC State (Q) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes: Desktop | 54.8% | 52.4% | 49.0% | 39.8% | 26.1% | 14.9% | 6.0% | 2.7% | 1.8% | 1.2% |
Yes: Laptop | 24.9% | 30.5% | 37.1% | 50.2% | 60.1% | 73.1% | 82.8% | 88.1% | 91.2% | 91.9% |
Yes: Both desktop and laptop | NA | NA | NA | NA | 6.2% | 6.1% | 7.1% | 5.3% | 4.2% | 4.4% |
No | 4.6% | 3.3% | 3.1% | 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.5% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
Do not know | 15.7% | 13.8% | 10.8% | 8.1% | 5.9% | 4.4% | 3.4% | 3.3% | 2.5% | 1.8% |
Total (N) | 3,197 | 3,178 | 2,940 | 3,170 | 3,144 | 3,508 | 3,792 | 4,371 | 4,114 | 3,030 |
This section of the report explores entering students' experiences with the application process and examines those factors students considered influential in their decision to attend NC State.
Number of Schools To Which Respondent Applied (Table 10)
Students' reports of the number of school to which they applied remained fairly stable between 1994 and 2002, with about one-fourth reporting that they applied to NC State only and more than 40 percent reporting that they applied to three or more colleges including NC State. Since then, there has been a steady decrease in the proportion of students who applied only to NC State (13.8% in 2009) and a steady increase in the proportion who applied to three or more colleges including NC State (67.5% in 2009). The proportion of those saying they applied to five or more schools has almost doubled since 1994, going from 13 percent at that time to 24 percent in 2009.
Table 10: Number of Schools to Which Respondent AppliedNumber of colleges applied to (Q) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One | 24.9% | 24.7% | 24.0% | 25.0% | 28.1% | 27.7% | 24.8% | 25.0% | 24.6% | 20.8% | 21.8% | 19.4% | 17.7% | 16.7% | 14.3% | 13.8% |
Two | 23.2% | 25.5% | 25.0% | 25.1% | 25.7% | 24.0% | 24.6% | 25.4% | 24.1% | 23.0% | 23.0% | 22.8% | 23.8% | 20.5% | 21.4% | 18.7% |
Three | 24.4% | 21.9% | 24.9% | 23.6% | 22.1% | 22.8% | 23.8% | 22.7% | 24.4% | 24.1% | 25.6% | 25.1% | 25.3% | 25.5% | 24.5% | 24.8% |
Four | 14.3% | 15.3% | 13.4% | 13.3% | 12.7% | 13.4% | 14.7% | 14.1% | 14.3% | 16.9% | 15.9% | 16.8% | 17.4% | 18.8% | 18.9% | 18.5% |
Five or more | 13.2% | 12.6% | 12.6% | 13.0% | 11.4% | 12.0% | 12.2% | 12.7% | 12.7% | 15.2% | 13.7% | 15.9% | 15.7% | 18.5% | 20.8% | 24.2% |
Total (N) | 2,781 | 2,707 | 3,116 | 3,040 | 3,130 | 2,974 | 3,340 | 3,346 | 3,130 | 3,344 | 3,287 | 3,652 | 3,915 | 4,401 | 4,160 | 3,235 |
Incoming students were asked whether or not various people outside of the admissions office had contacted them during the admissions process. In 2009 a "don't know/don't remember" response option was added, thereby affecting the distribution of responses. With the exception of 2009, between 17 percent and 22 percent of respondents said they received a call from an NC State faculty or staff member after applying for admission to NC State. In 2009, this figure dropped to a low of 12 percent, with 22 percent saying they don't know/didn't remember. The number of respondents receiving a call from a current student has fluctuated somewhat over survey years. Between 2002 and 2005, there was a spike in the proportion of students receiving a call from a current student, with about one-fifth or more reporting such calls. The number of students who received a call from an NC State graduate has generally declined across survey years, with no more than 11 percent reporting such calls in any given year. With the exception of 2009, in each year since the question was first asked in 1997, 60 percent or more first-year students reported receiving a letter from outside the Admissions Office. In 2009, this figure dropped to a low of 52 percent (although 28% said they "don't know/don't remember" if they got such a letter).
Table 11: Contacts During the Admissions Process (Q)Call from faculty/staff | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 18.9% | 22.2% | 21.6% | 20.1% | 19.3% | 19.0% | 17.2% | 18.9% | 21.2% | 21.2% | 21.5% | 19.0% | 16.6% | 19.1% | 17.0% | 11.6% |
No | 81.1% | 77.8% | 78.4% | 79.9% | 80.7% | 81.0% | 82.8% | 81.1% | 78.8% | 78.8% | 78.5% | 81.0% | 83.4% | 80.9% | 83.0% | 66.2% |
Don't know/Don't remember | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 22.1% |
Total (N) | 2,784 | 2,738 | 3,155 | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,186 |
Call from current student | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 16.1% | 17.5% | 15.9% | 15.1% | 13.6% | 18.1% | 17.0% | 16.5% | 20.3% | 23.1% | 21.9% | 20.4% | 16.6% | 19.1% | 17.8% | 17.3% |
No | 83.9% | 82.5% | 84.1% | 84.9% | 86.4% | 81.9% | 83.0% | 83.5% | 79.7% | 76.9% | 78.1% | 79.6% | 83.4% | 80.9% | 82.2% | 65.4% |
Don't know/Don't remember | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 17.3% |
Total (N) | 2,784 | 2,738 | 3,155 | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,174 |
Call from NCSU graduate | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 11.0% | 10.8% | 8.1% | 5.8% | 6.7% | 7.7% | 7.2% | 7.1% | 7.6% | 7.3% | 5.9% | 5.8% | 5.2% | 8.1% | 8.6% | 7.2% |
No | 89.0% | 89.2% | 91.9% | 94.2% | 93.3% | 92.3% | 92.8% | 92.9% | 92.4% | 92.7% | 94.1% | 94.2% | 94.8% | 91.9% | 91.4% | 73.1% |
Don't know/Don't remember | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 19.7% |
Total (N) | 2,784 | 2,738 | 3,155 | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,144 |
Letter from outside Admissions Office | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | NA | NA | NA | 70.0% | 66.7% | 74.4% | 65.2% | 67.7% | 64.6% | 66.6% | 61.3% | 59.9% | 66.1% | 65.2% | 59.5% | 51.6% |
No | NA | NA | NA | 30.0% | 33.3% | 25.6% | 34.8% | 32.3% | 35.4% | 33.4% | 38.7% | 40.1% | 33.9% | 34.8% | 40.5% | 20.8% |
Don't know/Don't remember | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 27.7% |
Total (N) | NA | NA | NA | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,217 |
Respondents indicated the extent to which each of 21 different factors influenced their decision to attend NC State. The response scale ranged from 5 = "very strong influence" to 1 = "very weak influence." "Not applicable" responses were not used in the calculations of average ratings. On average, respondents consistently reported that the academic reputation of NC State, availability of program of interest, and level of support for intended major were strongly influential in their decision to attend NC State. Least likely to be influential in the decision-making process were letter from outside Admissions office, number of hours transferred/credited, NC State publications, and attendance at a college fair.
While average ratings for most items have remained fairly consistent across survey years, those for acceptance into the First Year College have steadily increased, going from 3.18 in 1997 to 3.94 in 2009. Also notably increasing in influence over the past five years were campus visits prior to orientation, cost, scholarships/financial aid available, contact with a current student, and contact with a faculty/staff member.
Respondents were also asked to indicate the single most influential factor in their decision to attend. Responses to this item reflect the importance of academics in the decision to attend NC State. The most influential factors overall were academic reputation and level of support for my intended major. Throughout the survey years availability of program has also been sighted as the most influential factor by more than 10 percent of incoming students. (An error in question wording in the 2009 survey resulted in a sharp decline in students selecting this response option in that year, and likely caused the corresponding uptick in the numbers selecting level of support for my intended major).
Table 12: Factors Influencing Decision to Attend NC State (Q)Mean Rating Scale: 5="very strong influence," 4="strong influence," 3="moderate influence," 2="weak influence," 1="very weak influence" |
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
Academic reputation | 4.06 | 3.99 | 4.00 | 4.09 | 4.11 | 4.10 | 4.09 | 4.08 | 4.13 | 4.11 | 4.08 | 4.12 | 4.10 | 4.17 | 4.19 |
Availability of program | 3.91 | 3.89 | 3.72 | 3.80 | 3.87 | 3.79 | 3.80 | 3.77 | 3.86 | 3.77 | 3.74 | 3.84 | 3.84 | 3.86 | 4.02 |
Level of support for my intended major | 3.81 | 3.81 | 3.67 | 3.77 | 3.83 | 3.78 | 3.77 | 3.63 | 3.70 | 3.73 | 3.68 | 3.77 | 3.81 | 3.85 | 4.00 |
Facilities and resources available | 3.89 | 3.87 | 3.64 | 3.73 | 3.75 | 3.66 | 3.66 | 3.59 | 3.64 | 3.63 | 3.56 | 3.69 | 3.72 | 3.73 | 3.94 |
Acceptance into FYC | NA | NA | 3.18 | 2.83 | 3.09 | 3.52 | 3.50 | 3.46 | 3.63 | 3.47 | 3.63 | 3.73 | 3.78 | 3.87 | 3.94 |
Location | 3.61 | 3.60 | 3.53 | 3.52 | 3.58 | 3.62 | 3.62 | 3.57 | 3.60 | 3.59 | 3.62 | 3.61 | 3.60 | 3.67 | 3.81 |
Campus visit prior to orientation | 3.10 | 3.07 | 3.18 | 3.19 | 3.25 | 3.19 | 3.20 | 3.20 | 3.18 | 3.14 | 3.13 | 3.20 | 3.20 | 3.36 | 3.63 |
Cost | 3.32 | 3.31 | 3.15 | 3.22 | 3.28 | 3.16 | 3.16 | 3.08 | 3.16 | 3.09 | 3.01 | 3.14 | 3.14 | 3.27 | 3.55 |
Recommended | 3.29 | 3.26 | 3.24 | 3.34 | 3.36 | 3.32 | 3.34 | 3.31 | 3.35 | 3.36 | 3.36 | 3.46 | 3.36 | 3.45 | 3.50 |
Contact with a current student | 3.09 | 3.21 | 3.04 | 3.12 | 3.10 | 3.08 | 3.10 | 3.07 | 3.12 | 3.03 | 3.05 | 3.12 | 3.09 | 3.23 | 3.45 |
Extracurricular opportunities | 2.93 | 2.83 | 2.81 | 2.87 | 2.93 | 2.90 | 2.93 | 2.80 | 2.95 | 2.86 | 2.91 | 2.95 | 3.03 | 3.13 | 3.26 |
Scholarships/financial aid available | 2.87 | 2.81 | 2.83 | 2.94 | 2.80 | 2.70 | 2.84 | 2.92 | 2.92 | 2.82 | 2.82 | 2.91 | 2.94 | 3.04 | 3.24 |
Size | 2.86 | 2.86 | 2.71 | 2.78 | 2.89 | 2.89 | 2.96 | 2.96 | 3.01 | 2.94 | 2.98 | 3.03 | 2.97 | 3.00 | 3.23 |
Contact with a graduate | NA | NA | 2.71 | 2.80 | 2.72 | 2.70 | 2.75 | 2.72 | 2.81 | 2.77 | 2.72 | 2.88 | 2.78 | 2.95 | 3.08 |
Campus Recreation programs | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 2.69 | 2.76 | 2.80 | 2.89 | 2.95 | 3.08 |
Contact with a faculty/staff member* | 2.43 | 2.47 | 2.46 | 2.48 | 2.49 | 2.38 | 2.48 | 2.44 | 2.48 | 2.43 | 2.38 | 2.46 | 2.42 | 2.53 | 2.85 |
Attendance at a College Fair | 2.25 | 2.19 | 2.16 | 2.16 | 2.11 | 2.09 | 2.06 | 2.16 | 2.28 | 2.19 | 2.20 | 2.30 | 2.28 | 2.34 | 2.58 |
Publications from NC State | 2.47 | 2.43 | 2.25 | 2.29 | 2.28 | 2.25 | 2.27 | 2.25 | 2.36 | 2.23 | 2.25 | 2.30 | 2.23 | 2.31 | 2.56 |
Number of hours transferred/credited | 2.33 | 2.33 | 2.08 | 2.19 | 2.19 | 2.14 | 2.18 | 2.15 | 2.20 | 2.11 | 2.18 | 2.25 | 2.24 | 2.23 | 2.47 |
Letter from other than Admissions | NA | NA | 2.19 | 2.21 | 2.16 | 2.08 | 2.10 | 2.09 | 2.10 | 2.01 | 2.07 | 2.18 | 2.19 | 2.16 | 2.45 |
Other | 4.22 | 4.46 | 4.23 | 4.45 | 4.54 | 4.47 | 4.34 | 4.34 | 4.34 | 4.21 | 4.03 | 3.92 | 4.04 | 4.15 | 4.13 |
Most Influential Factor (Q) | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Academic reputation | 23.9% | 22.4% | 22.3% | 24.7% | 22.7% | 23.5% | 25.0% | 26.2% | 25.0% | 26.0% | 23.9% | 25.6% | 24.4% | 24.1% | 23.3% |
Cost | 6.6% | 6.5% | 5.9% | 5.1% | 5.9% | 4.8% | 4.6% | 4.9% | 5.0% | 5.4% | 4.7% | 4.7% | 4.4% | 4.8% | 7.4% |
Location | 10.7% | 11.9% | 10.7% | 10.1% | 9.4% | 11.3% | 9.9% | 11.4% | 9.9% | 9.8% | 11.2% | 10.4% | 9.5% | 9.4% | 9.5% |
Size | 0.8% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 1.3% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.5% | 1.1% | 1.1% |
Availability of program* | 18.1% | 16.5% | 14.1% | 14.8% | 14.3% | 12.3% | 11.5% | 12.8% | 16.3% | 12.8% | 13.0% | 12.6% | 13.3% | 12.3% | 2.6% |
Recommended by friend, family, etc. | 5.5% | 5.6% | 5.6% | 5.9% | 6.1% | 6.6% | 6.1% | 6.2% | 5.8% | 7.0% | 7.2% | 7.3% | 5.6% | 5.8% | 4.5% |
Number of hours transferred/credited | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Level of support for my intended major | 13.7% | 15.5% | 17.6% | 17.1% | 17.1% | 18.5% | 16.9% | 13.5% | 13.7% | 16.4% | 14.8% | 15.5% | 18.6% | 17.2% | 24.2% |
Facilities and resources available | 5.1% | 4.8% | 3.9% | 4.0% | 4.7% | 3.1% | 4.2% | 3.1% | 2.7% | 2.7% | 2.3% | 3.4% | 3.2% | 3.3% | 2.7% |
Scholarships/financial aid available | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.7% | 4.1% | 4.7% | 5.8% | 5.9% | 6.0% | 5.1% | 5.5% | 5.4% | 5.3% | 5.4% | 6.7% |
Pack Promise Program | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1.5% | 1.5% |
Campus visit prior to orientation | 3.2% | 3.4% | 5.2% | 4.0% | 4.0% | 3.1% | 3.5% | 3.9% | 3.1% | 3.4% | 2.7% | 3.0% | 3.6% | 3.3% | 3.7% |
Contact with a current student | 2.4% | 2.7% | 2.9% | 2.6% | 2.8% | 2.7% | 2.9% | 2.3% | 2.3% | 2.6% | 3.0% | 2.7% | 2.7% | 2.6% | 2.6% |
Contact with a faculty/staff member** | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.7% |
Contact with a graduate | NA | NA | 1.1% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 1.4% | 1.0% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 1.4% |
Letter from other than Admissions | NA | NA | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Attendance at a College Fair | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Publications from NC State | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Extracurricular opportunities | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.5% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.9% | 1.5% | 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.3% | 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.4% | 1.2% |
Acceptance into FYC | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1.7% | 2.0% | 2.0% | 2.2% | 2.3% | 1.4% | 2.0% | 1.6% | 1.9% | 2.1% | 2.3% |
Campus Recreation programs | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
Carmichael Complex Recreational facilities | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 0.2% |
Other | 3.3% | 2.9% | 3.1% | 3.1% | 3.5% | 3.8% | 3.3% | 3.2% | 3.3% | 3.0% | 4.3% | 2.7% | 2.8% | 3.2% | 3.9% |
Total (N) | 2,707 | 3,059 | 3,040 | 3,013 | 2,742 | 3,092 | 3,107 | 2,921 | 3,043 | 2,914 | 3,165 | 3,466 | 3,993 | 3,763 | 3,217 |
Survey respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with the quality of various aspects of the NC State admissions process on a scale from 4 = "very satisfied" to 1 = "very dissatisfied." "Don't know/did not use" responses were excluded from the calculation of mean ratings. The vast majority of respondents in all years (about 90 percent) were "moderately" or "very satisfied" with university and departmental admissions processes. Other than a slight drop in 2005, the percentage of students reporting that they were "very satisfied" with both the university admissions process and the departmental admissions process increased steadily across survey years, with notable increases for both items in 2009.
Table 14: Satisfaction with University AdmissionsUniversity admissions process (Q) | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean Rating | 3.22 | 3.35 | 3.36 | 3.38 | 3.40 | 3.42 | 3.44 | 3.46 | 3.38 | 3.46 | 3.44 | 3.45 | 3.56 |
4: Very satisfied | 36.5% | 43.5% | 45.4% | 46.2% | 48.1% | 49.1% | 50.4% | 52.6% | 47.2% | 52.2% | 51.0% | 51.9% | 59.1% |
3: Moderately satisfied | 51.9% | 49.6% | 46.9% | 46.9% | 45.3% | 45.0% | 44.3% | 41.5% | 45.1% | 42.3% | 42.9% | 42.5% | 38.1% |
2: Moderately dissatisfied | 9.2% | 5.4% | 6.0% | 5.7% | 5.6% | 5.2% | 4.6% | 4.9% | 6.8% | 4.8% | 5.2% | 4.8% | 2.4% |
1: Very dissatisfied | 2.4% | 1.5% | 1.7% | 1.2% | 1.0% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.4% |
Total (N) | 3,032 | 3,121 | 2,983 | 3,346 | 3,346 | 3,108 | 3,335 | 3,278 | 3,638 | 3,905 | 4,385 | 4,138 | 3,217 |
Departmental admissions process (Q) | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean Rating | 3.25 | 3.33 | 3.37 | 3.36 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.39 | 3.43 | 3.36 | 3.42 | 3.43 | 3.43 | 3.56 |
4: Very satisfied | 37.7% | 42.6% | 45.1% | 44.9% | 45.3% | 45.5% | 46.6% | 50.6% | 45.3% | 50.0% | 50.6% | 51.0% | 59.2% |
3: Moderately satisfied | 51.9% | 49.6% | 47.6% | 48.1% | 47.8% | 47.1% | 47.3% | 43.0% | 46.4% | 43.1% | 42.8% | 42.3% | 37.5% |
2: Moderately dissatisfied | 8.5% | 6.3% | 6.2% | 5.5% | 6.0% | 6.3% | 5.1% | 5.6% | 7.2% | 5.9% | 5.6% | 5.9% | 2.7% |
1: Very dissatisfied | 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.6% | 1.0% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.1% | 1.0% | 0.9% | 0.9% | 0.5% |
Total (N) | 2,821 | 2,897 | 2,798 | 3,147 | 3,138 | 2,949 | 3,179 | 3,144 | 3,517 | 3,758 | 4,241 | 3,983 | 3,109 |
In 2009 the First Year Student Survey was conducted online, after students had attended New Student Orientation, whereas in previous years it had been conducted as a paper and pencil survey while students were at Orientation. This change in timing affected responses to questions about the Virtual Advising Center, which was discussed (and often used) during Orientation. In addition, by the time students completed the survey in 2009 they of course had had additional time to access the Vitual Advising Center website. Prior to 2009, two-thirds or more respondents in each survey year reported that they had never used the Virtual Advising Center website. This figure dropped substantially to 28 percent in 2009. However, the change in timing of the survey did not affect ratings of the website by those having used it. Among those who used the Virtual Advising Center website, more than 25 percent in each year rated it as "excellent" and another 60 percent or more rated it as "good."
Table 16: Virtual Advising Center RatingRate Virtual Advising Center website (Q) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | 9.8% | 8.1% | 8.3% | 7.9% | 6.7% | 8.5% | 8.2% | NA | 6.2% | 18.5% |
Good | 21.3% | 20.2% | 19.9% | 19.0% | 19.2% | 20.9% | 20.6% | NA | 17.2% | 43.9% |
Fair | 2.9% | 2.8% | 3.1% | 2.6% | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.2% | NA | 3.7% | 8.8% |
Poor | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% | NA | 0.8% | 1.3% |
Know about/did not use | 14.0% | 11.6% | 11.9% | 12.2% | 11.6% | 10.0% | 8.5% | NA | 7.5% | NA |
Never used* | 51.7% | 56.9% | 56.3% | 58.0% | 58.5% | 55.6% | 57.8% | NA | 64.6% | 27.5% |
Total (N) | 3,340 | 3,350 | 3,130 | 3,345 | 3,286 | 3,654 | 3,905 | NA | 4,161 | 3,229 |
Rate Virtual Advising Center website (among those who used website) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | 28.6% | 25.6% | 26.0% | 26.5% | 22.3% | 24.8% | 24.4% | 22.3% | 25.5% |
Good | 62.2% | 64.3% | 62.7% | 63.7% | 64.2% | 60.7% | 61.4% | 61.5% | 60.6% |
Fair | 8.5% | 9.0% | 9.8% | 8.6% | 12.5% | 12.1% | 12.5% | 13.4% | 12.1% |
Poor | 0.7% | 1.0% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.0% | 2.3% | 1.8% | 2.8% | 1.8% |
Total (N) | 1,144 | 1,054 | 995 | 997 | 985 | 1,256 | 1,313 | 1,161 | 2,341 |
In this section, respondents' expectations for financial aid are reported, along with their satisfaction with the financial aid process.
Financial Aid (Tables 18 and 19)
The percentage of first-year students who reported that they were receiving some type of financial aid has generally increased across survey years, from 48 percent in 1994 to 73 percent in 2009. Increase in academic/merit and need-based aid account for most of this change. The percentage of students who reported that they were receiving academic-based aid increased from 26 percent in 1994 to a high of 43 percent in 2009. The percentage of students who reported that they were receiving aid based on financial need increased from 27 percent in 1994 to a high of 43 percent in 2008 before dropping slightly in 2009 to 38 percent.
Table 18: Receiving Financial Aid1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Receiving aid (Q) | 47.8% | 52.1% | 67.0% | 58.0% | 58.1% | 58.8% | 56.2% | 59.3% | 62.9% | 65.4% | 64.5% | 63.6% | 63.6% | 62.0% | 66.6% | 72.5% |
Total (N) | 2,784 | 2,738 | 3,155 | 2,933 | 3,078 | 2,880 | 3,271 | 3,298 | 3,083 | 3,305 | 3,197 | 3,579 | 3,836 | 4,345 | 4,113 | 3,152 |
1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Academic/Merit scholarship or grant* | 25.7% | 25.4% | 28.0% | 31.7% | 31.0% | 32.7% | 28.2% | 31.3% | 33.6% | 34.0% | 34.3% | 32.9% | 34.1% | 31.4% | 30.1% | 43.3% |
Athletic aid | 2.6% | 2.5% | 2.1% | 2.2% | 2.2% | 2.0% | 2.0% | 2.2% | 2.3% | 2.4% | 2.5% | 1.7% | 2.0% | 2.7% | 2.5% | 1.1% |
Need-based scholarship or grant* | 26.7% | 31.9% | 31.5% | 34.3% | 32.8% | 31.9% | 28.7% | 31.8% | 35.4% | 40.2% | 38.5% | 37.7% | 38.4% | 37.5% | 42.5% | 38.1% |
Other - dance, music, etc. | NA | NA | 1.0% | 1.0% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.5% | 1.4% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.8% | 1.6% | 1.5% | 1.2% | 2.0% | NA |
Federal or state loans (including non-need and/or need-based loans) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 41.3% |
Veterans/ROTC/Private scholarship or grant | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 4.5% |
Private loan | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 5.7% |
Other | 14.4% | 10.3% | 11.9% | 10.3% | 11.4% | 12.0% | 13.5% | 13.6% | 14.3% | 14.5% | 14.3% | 14.8% | 12.6% | 12.2% | 12.9% | 7.9% |
Total (N) | 2,784 | 2,738 | 3,155 | 2,933 | 3,078 | 2,880 | 3,271 | 3,298 | 3,083 | 3,305 | 3,197 | 3,579 | 3,836 | 4,345 | 4,113 | 3,152 |
Satisfaction with Financial Aid Process (Table 20)
In each survey year, more than two-thirds of first-year students reported being either "very" or "moderately" satisfied with NC State's financial aid process. Satisfaction is growing, with the percentage of those saying they were "very satisfied" with the process increasing from 20 percent to 33 percent between 1997 and 2009. The percentage of respondents saying they were "very dissatisfied" with the financial aid process remained fairly stable through 2008 (ranging between 7 and 10 percent), before dropping to a low of 4 percent in 2009.
Table 20: Satisfaction with Financial Aid ProcessSatisfaction with financial Aid process (Q) | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mean Rating | 2.83 | 2.77 | 2.79 | 2.73 | 2.83 | 2.89 | 2.89 | 2.88 | 2.82 | 2.87 | 2.94 | 2.98 | 3.12 |
4: Very satisfied | 19.7% | 18.8% | 20.0% | 17.0% | 22.1% | 25.9% | 25.6% | 25.6% | 24.5% | 26.7% | 28.4% | 31.5% | 32.6% |
3: Moderately satisfied | 52.0% | 48.5% | 48.0% | 49.3% | 46.9% | 45.3% | 45.7% | 45.3% | 42.9% | 42.2% | 44.4% | 42.0% | 50.8% |
2: Moderately dissatisfied | 20.3% | 23.4% | 23.2% | 23.5% | 23.0% | 20.5% | 20.4% | 20.5% | 23.0% | 22.7% | 20.0% | 19.5% | 12.8% |
1: Very dissatisfied | 8.1% | 9.3% | 8.8% | 10.1% | 8.1% | 8.4% | 8.3% | 8.6% | 9.6% | 8.4% | 7.2% | 7.0% | 3.8% |
Total (N) | 1,948 | 2,130 | 2,005 | 2,211 | 2,219 | 2,263 | 2,516 | 2,454 | 2,687 | 2,945 | 3,348 | 3,146 | 2,506 |
This section presents first-year students' reports of preparation for college, including high school and self preparation and participation in pre-college programs.
High School and Self Preparation (Tables 21 and 22)
About 10 percent of the students in each survey year indicated that they were "not very well prepared" by their high school for college, while less than half as many in each year felt "not very well prepared" by their own efforts. On the other hand, the proportion saying they feel "very well prepared" by their high school and by their own efforts has fluctuated but generally increased from between about one-third to 45 percent over the years of the survey. Student perceptions of how well they feel prepared by their high school notably declined between 2008 and 2009, reaching the lowest level since 1998. This decline, however, might be an artifact of the change in the timing of the survey (again, administered after rather than during New Student Orientation). For example, Orientation might have caused students to think more about the changes and challenges they would be facing in college, and to differently assess their preparedness for such changes.
Table 21: High School PreparationHigh School preparation (Q) | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very well | 37.5% | 37.9% | 42.6% | 44.9% | 41.9% | 43.7% | 45.9% | 45.8% | 44.9% | 42.3% | 43.2% | 46.2% | 40.4% |
Somewhat well | 51.6% | 51.1% | 47.9% | 47.1% | 49.0% | 47.5% | 46.5% | 46.1% | 45.7% | 48.2% | 48.1% | 46.0% | 49.5% |
Not very well | 10.9% | 11.0% | 9.4% | 8.1% | 9.1% | 8.8% | 7.6% | 8.1% | 9.4% | 9.5% | 8.7% | 7.8% | 10.1% |
Total (N) | 3,041 | 3,135 | 2,995 | 3,345 | 3,349 | 3,134 | 3,342 | 3,285 | 3,649 | 3,908 | 4,405 | 4,157 | 3,071 |
Self preparation (Q) | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very well | 34.8% | 36.9% | 43.0% | 43.7% | 41.2% | 44.3% | 45.0% | 45.0% | 39.7% | 38.7% | 40.2% | 46.5% | 42.8% |
Somewhat well | 60.4% | 58.0% | 52.6% | 53.1% | 54.5% | 51.0% | 50.7% | 50.5% | 54.3% | 56.3% | 55.3% | 49.9% | 54.1% |
Not very well | 4.7% | 5.0% | 4.4% | 3.3% | 4.3% | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% | 6.0% | 5.0% | 4.5% | 3.6% | 3.0% |
Total (N) | 3,036 | 3,135 | 2,989 | 3,344 | 3,349 | 3,131 | 3,338 | 3,283 | 3,645 | 3,903 | 4,400 | 4,155 | 3,053 |
Participation in Pre-College Programs (Tables 23)
Since the question was first asked in 2007, about 3 percent of respondents reported participating in the pre-college program, Educational Talent Search. Less than 2 percent reported participation in Upward Bound.
Table 23: Participation in Pre-College Programs (Q)2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|
Educational Talent Search | 3.1% | 2.6% | 3.1% |
Upward Bound | 1.3% | 1.8% | 0.7% |
Total (N) | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,237 |
This section of the report focuses on respondents' educational intent and interests. Specifically, it explores their goals and objectives at NC State, their plans for further education, their interest in various student programs and activities, and their employment plans.
Goals and Objectives at NC State (Tables 24 and 25)
Across survey years there has been a slight shift in students' reports of their main goal or objective for attending NC State. While the proportion of students saying their primary goal for attending NC State is to obtain a bachelor's degree as "preparation for graduate or professional school" has increased over survey years, the proportion saying their primary goal for attending NC State is to obtain a bachelor's degree as "career preparation" has decreased. In each year, more than two-thirds of students reported being "certain" or "very certain" of their choice in college major. The proportion of students indicating they were "very certain" of their college major spiked from 29 percent in 2008 to an all-time high of 36 percent in 2009, again probably a result of having completed the survey after attending New Student Orientation rather than during Orientation.
Table 24: Goal or Objective for Attending NC StatePrimary goal for attending NC State (Q) | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bach./certificate only | 9.4% | 7.4% | 8.0% | 8.5% | 8.2% | 8.5% | 7.9% | 9.4% | 9.3% | 9.7% | 9.7% | 8.4% | 8.1% | 8.5% | 8.7% |
Bach. for school preparation | 54.6% | 56.8% | 53.8% | 55.2% | 56.8% | 55.8% | 52.5% | 55.5% | 53.6% | 55.3% | 55.6% | 54.3% | 57.0% | 57.5% | 60.6% |
Bach. for career preparation | 32.3% | 31.4% | 33.8% | 32.3% | 31.8% | 32.6% | 36.1% | 30.8% | 33.5% | 33.7% | 33.1% | 32.0% | 31.1% | 30.9% | 28.1% |
Improve for current profession | 1.5% | 2.2% | 2.1% | 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.6% | 2.6% | 1.7% | 1.3% | 1.3% |
Courses for personal interest | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 1.0% | 0.7% | NA | NA | 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
Other | 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.6% | 1.9% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.5% | 1.6% | 1.3% | NA | NA | 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
Total (N) | 2,727 | 3,068 | 3,044 | 3,135 | 2,988 | 3,345 | 3,344 | 3,124 | 3,335 | 3,212 | 3,508 | 3,829 | 4,325 | 3,930 | 3,069 |
Certainty of college major (Q) | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very certain | 28.0% | 24.9% | 25.2% | 25.5% | 25.3% | 28.6% | 26.8% | 27.0% | 26.1% | 27.6% | 28.0% | 28.0% | 28.0% | 29.3% | 35.9% |
Certain | 44.3% | 44.2% | 42.8% | 42.1% | 44.1% | 42.6% | 44.3% | 41.1% | 43.9% | 43.2% | 42.3% | 42.8% | 43.7% | 43.4% | 41.0% |
Uncertain | 23.1% | 25.0% | 26.1% | 26.3% | 24.8% | 23.1% | 23.7% | 25.6% | 24.5% | 23.2% | 23.9% | 23.9% | 22.4% | 22.5% | 18.6% |
Very uncertain | 4.7% | 5.9% | 5.9% | 6.0% | 5.9% | 5.8% | 5.2% | 6.3% | 5.5% | 6.0% | 5.8% | 5.4% | 5.8% | 4.7% | 4.5% |
Total (N) | 2,729 | 3,110 | 3,034 | 3,118 | 2,982 | 3,339 | 3,351 | 3,125 | 3,328 | 3,277 | 3,642 | 3,906 | 4,396 | 4,142 | 3,074 |
Highest Intended Level of Education (Table 26)
Since 1995, a large majority of respondents have indicated a desire to continue their education beyond a bachelor's degree. In general, responses to this item have been consistent over time with only minor and relatively random changes in the distribution
Table 26: Highest Intended Level of EducationHighest level of education planned (Q) | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor's degree | 28.4% | 25.7% | 27.4% | 25.3% | 26.3% | 26.4% | 29.4% | 27.2% | 27.1% | 29.7% | 28.2% | 27.6% | 26.0% | 25.7% | 24.9% |
Master's degree | 39.0% | 43.1% | 44.4% | 46.0% | 44.2% | 43.4% | 42.9% | 40.9% | 41.5% | 39.1% | 41.1% | 40.7% | 43.0% | 42.2% | 39.7% |
Doctoral degree | 17.5% | 15.3% | 14.7% | 15.8% | 14.9% | 13.9% | 12.5% | 14.4% | 13.7% | 13.8% | 12.8% | 14.2% | 14.2% | 14.2% | 16.0% |
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 6.3% | 5.8% | 5.5% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.4% | 5.2% | 4.5% | 4.9% | 4.5% | 4.2% | 5.7% | 6.1% |
Other degree [95-98] | 8.8% | 10.1% | 7.9% | 7.7% | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Medical degree | NA | NA | NA | NA | 6.2% | 6.4% | 6.5% | 8.1% | 7.1% | 8.2% | 8.0% | 8.6% | 8.4% | 8.4% | 9.5% |
Law degree | NA | NA | NA | NA | 3.3% | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.7% | 4.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% | 4.3% | 3.8% | 3.7% | 3.7% |
Divinity degree | NA | NA | NA | NA | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
Do not intend to complete a degree | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.1% |
Total (N) | 2,700 | 2,985 | 2,999 | 3,024 | 2,885 | 3,220 | 3,214 | 3,032 | 3,253 | 3,190 | 3,557 | 3,816 | 4,347 | 4,083 | 3,018 |
First Year Employment Plans (Tables 27 and 28)
Prior to 2009, in each survey year about 35 percent of first-year students (ranging from 31% to 41%, with not consistent pattern) reported that they planned to work for pay during their first semester at NC State. This figure increased to 47 percent in 2009, when students were asked about their employment plans for their first year at NC State. The change in wording, from "semester" to "year" undoubtedly contributed to the change in responses.
Between 1994 and 2008, the vast majority of first-year students who planned to work during their first semester reported that they would work less than 20 hours a week. In 2009 respondents were asked about both on and off campus work hours, separately. Regardless of whether they will be working on or off campus, more than 90 percent of those planning to work during their first year reported planning to work 20 or fewer hours per week, with 60 percent saying they would be working 10 or fewer hours per week.
Table 27: First Year Employment PlansEmployment during first year* (Q) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | 33.2% | 40.9% | 35.5% | 31.4% | 31.4% | 31.5% | 33.9% | 32.3% | 35.4% | 36.3% | 36.1% | 36.2% | 34.7% | 36.5% | 36.1% | 46.9% |
No | 66.8% | 59.1% | 64.5% | 68.6% | 68.6% | 68.5% | 66.1% | 67.7% | 64.6% | 63.7% | 63.9% | 63.8% | 65.3% | 63.5% | 63.9% | 53.1% |
Total (N) | 2,754 | 2,642 | 3,103 | 2,760 | 2,953 | 2,731 | 3,166 | 3,176 | 2,993 | 3,192 | 3,107 | 3,461 | 3,717 | 4,206 | 3,960 | 2,979 |
Hours intend to work per week during 1st year* (among those planning to work) | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
on-campus | off-campus | ||||||||||||||||
Less than 20 hrs/wk | 77.9% | 87.9% | 81.6% | 84.3% | 84.7% | 84.5% | 82.1% | 85.3% | 84.1% | 83.9% | 80.3% | 82.0% | 82.3% | 83.1% | 83.7% | NA | NA |
20 or more hrs/wk | 22.1% | 12.1% | 18.4% | 15.7% | 15.3% | 15.5% | 17.9% | 14.7% | 15.9% | 16.1% | 19.7% | 18.0% | 17.7% | 16.9% | 16.3% | NA | NA |
1-10 hours per week | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 59.8% | 60.2% |
11-20 hours per week | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 32.8% | 31.2% |
21-30 hours per week | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 5.2% | 7.0% |
31-40 hours per week | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 1.4% | 1.3% |
More than 40 hours per week | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 0.8% | 0.3% |
Total (N) | 913 | 1,081 | 1,103 | 868 | 928 | 859 | 1,072 | 1,026 | 1,060 | 1,158 | 1,122 | 1,254 | 1,290 | 1,534 | 1,431 | 864 | 782 |
Interest in Co-Curricular Activities (Table 29)
From a list of co-curricular programs and activities available at NC State, survey respondents identified those in which they were interested in partipating. In general, campus recreation activities (intramurals, club sports, fitness, indoor recreation, and outdoor recreation) have consistently been the most popular activities across survey years. Large numbers of respondents have also consistently expressed interest in volunteer services, social fraternity/sorority, and the co-op program. Interest in study abroad/student exchange has dramatically increased over the survey years, with more than two and one-half times more students expressing an interest in study abroad in 2009 than in 1995 (49% vs. 19%). In contrast, interest in social fraternities/sororities has declined over the years, with 24 percent of respondents expressing such an interest in 2009, as compared to 41 percent in 1995.
Table 29: NC State Co-curricular Programs/Activities (Q)1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Student government | 20.3% | 19.7% | 18.6% | 25.0% | 22.9% | 26.0% | 22.6% | 21.4% | 23.1% | 19.2% | 19.7% | 15.1% | 16.4% | 16.4% | 16.1% |
Student Media/Publications | 15.2% | 13.3% | 13.8% | 13.1% | 14.0% | 13.8% | 13.1% | 13.2% | 10.8% | 11.1% | 10.3% | 9.6% | 10.2% | 9.8% | 10.8% |
Social fraternity/sorority | 41.2% | 40.3% | 33.0% | 31.6% | 32.1% | 34.0% | 32.3% | 31.9% | 28.4% | 26.8% | 27.0% | 26.2% | 28.3% | 29.9% | 24.2% |
Volunteer services | 26.2% | 25.1% | 26.8% | 33.6% | 33.2% | 33.8% | 31.7% | 36.8% | 35.1% | 30.3% | 25.5% | 27.1% | 31.1% | 26.6% | 31.9% |
Co-op program | 33.9% | 36.5% | 35.6% | 39.0% | 34.4% | 32.3% | 33.0% | 31.8% | 33.3% | 34.2% | 29.1% | 26.2% | 30.6% | 21.5% | 23.6% |
Student Leadership Development (workshops, conferences, etc.) | 14.4% | 13.8% | 12.8% | 15.7% | 15.9% | 14.5% | 14.7% | 16.0% | 14.5% | 15.6% | 13.6% | 13.1% | 15.8% | 12.5% | 14.0% |
Student judicial board | NA | 5.3% | 7.3% | 5.8% | 6.9% | 5.5% | 5.3% | 5.5% | 5.6% | 4.7% | 3.7% | 3.5% | 4.5% | 3.5% | 2.9% |
Music minor, bands, choirs, orchestras, chamber music, bagpipes, drums | 8.0% | 14.5% | 11.8% | 14.1% | 13.8% | 13.3% | 12.4% | 12.3% | 12.8% | 13.6% | 14.6% | 14.5% | 13.0% | 15.5% | 13.1% |
Fitness/Wellness (group fitness classes, yoga, pilates, etc.) | 35.0% | 29.8% | 31.3% | 44.5% | 44.4% | 45.1% | 45.4% | 48.2% | 47.8% | 40.8% | 39.8% | 39.0% | 40.0% | 34.7% | 37.9% |
Indoor recreation (cardio room, weights, basketball, etc.) | 22.0% | 15.3% | 18.2% | 21.2% | 23.4% | 24.1% | 24.2% | 23.9% | 24.0% | 39.8% | 34.4% | 37.6% | 38.0% | 34.2% | 34.2% |
Intramurals (basketball, flag football, golf, etc.) | 58.4% | 51.8% | 55.1% | 51.7% | 52.8% | 52.7% | 53.4% | 52.4% | 52.2% | 49.5% | 45.0% | 47.0% | 47.6% | 40.3% | 43.7% |
Club sports (cycling, baseball, martial arts, ultimate, etc.) | 22.2% | 21.3% | 28.9% | 31.4% | 32.4% | 34.8% | 33.6% | 31.3% | 34.0% | 45.8% | 42.2% | 44.1% | 46.0% | 41.2% | 40.0% |
Informal recreation | 16.0% | 11.9% | 15.0% | 16.0% | 16.5% | 17.6% | 17.2% | 17.0% | 16.8% | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Outdoor recreation (trips, equipment checkout, rock climbing workshops, etc.) | 39.5% | 35.5% | 38.0% | 41.3% | 41.1% | 39.5% | 38.5% | 38.1% | 35.2% | 34.2% | 30.5% | 33.2% | 36.5% | 31.4% | 31.4% |
Healthy lifestyles issues (stress management, sexuality, substance abuse, etc.) | 10.4% | 7.2% | 7.9% | 13.7% | 11.2% | 10.9% | 11.1% | 12.9% | 11.3% | 7.9% | 8.3% | 8.6% | 10.0% | 9.2% | 9.0% |
Student Dance Companies | 4.9% | 5.7% | 5.3% | 7.3% | 8.2% | 7.3% | 7.2% | 7.7% | 7.1% | 6.7% | 7.6% | 6.9% | 6.7% | 7.4% | 5.8% |
ROTC | 6.4% | 5.5% | 4.7% | 4.3% | 4.0% | 3.8% | 4.5% | 5.2% | 5.0% | 3.8% | 4.0% | 3.5% | 3.3% | 3.0% | 3.6% |
Study abroad/Student Exchange | 18.5% | 22.8% | 27.4% | 29.2% | 30.5% | 32.6% | 36.0% | 37.9% | 40.6% | 45.6% | 41.7% | 45.6% | 50.5% | 45.1% | 48.6% |
Union activities board (cultural programs, concerts, etc.)* | 23.3% | 10.0% | 8.5% | 7.6% | 7.6% | 7.5% | 7.1% | 7.5% | 6.7% | 7.8% | 6.3% | 6.5% | 7.4% | 7.7% | 13.1% |
Residence hall council | NA | NA | NA | 12.6% | 11.8% | 10.6% | 9.7% | 10.7% | 10.6% | 11.5% | 10.2% | 9.5% | 9.8% | 8.4% | 9.8% |
Crafts center programs/activities | 4.7% | 5.0% | 5.8% | 6.1% | 6.2% | 6.7% | 7.0% | 7.6% | 9.3% | 9.3% | 8.0% | 7.7% | 8.9% | 10.8% | 7.0% |
Theater participation as audience | NA | 19.1% | 20.6% | 24.8% | 24.3% | 22.9% | 23.2% | 21.9% | 20.0% | 20.7% | 16.8% | 16.6% | 18.3% | 17.6% | 13.6% |
Theater participation as artist | NA | 9.6% | 8.1% | 11.1% | 10.8% | 9.9% | 8.4% | 9.5% | 9.1% | 9.1% | 7.8% | 7.8% | 7.6% | 7.9% | 5.6% |
Attending art exhibitions, meeting artists, museum internships | 4.6% | 11.0% | 12.2% | 15.2% | 13.9% | 15.9% | 15.1% | 15.5% | 13.4% | 11.9% | 11.4% | 11.4% | 11.9% | 11.8% | 10.8% |
Performing arts selection/booking | 3.5% | 12.7% | 11.6% | 15.7% | 14.3% | 13.3% | 13.6% | 13.6% | 11.6% | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Planning programs/services for children/families | 5.7% | 4.8% | 5.5% | 7.8% | 8.3% | 7.5% | 6.9% | 8.6% | 7.1% | 5.6% | 5.3% | 4.9% | 6.2% | 5.0% | 5.5% |
Gender issues | 6.4% | 5.7% | 4.6% | 5.7% | 5.7% | 5.4% | 4.7% | 5.9% | 4.7% | 3.6% | 4.4% | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.9% | 4.0% |
Multicultural/diversity programs/activities | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 11.1% | 11.7% | 11.1% | 13.0% | 12.0% | 11.3% |
Pre-Law services/planning | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | 5.5% | 5.3% | 5.5% | 4.1% |
Total (N) | 2,738 | 3,155 | 3,063 | 3,143 | 2,996 | 3,353 | 3,360 | 3,136 | 3,348 | 3,293 | 3,660 | 3,920 | 4,415 | 4,169 | 3,237 |
Intended Work Community (Tables 30 and 31)
Respondents were asked to indicate the general location in which they intend to seek employment after graduation. Probably reflecting plans for graduate or professional school, the percentage of respondents reporting that they "will not seek employment" has ranged from 20 percent to 34 percent across survey years. Among those seeking employment after graduation, there was little variation in location of intended work community between 2000 and 2006. However, there was a notable shift in 2007, with a 10 percentage point drop in the number of respondents saying that location is not important and a corresponding 10 percentage point increase in the number of respondents saying they plan seek employment "anywhere in the USA." The proportion of respondents saying they plan to seek employment "in North Carolina only" has remained stable, at about one-fifth, across survey years.
Table 30: Intended Work CommunityLocation of future employment (Q) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anywhere; location is not important | 32.5% | 29.1% | 36.1% | 29.8% | 29.0% | 28.2% | 33.1% | 22.1% | 29.2% | 29.0% |
In North Carolina only | 16.6% | 14.5% | 14.4% | 13.8% | 14.9% | 14.3% | 16.4% | 14.3% | 16.6% | 16.7% |
Anywhere in the USA | 27.9% | 25.2% | 29.1% | 24.3% | 23.5% | 22.6% | 26.3% | 29.4% | 31.7% | 32.5% |
Outside the USA only | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.0% | 0.5% |
I do not plan to be employed after graduation | 22.5% | 30.6% | 19.5% | 31.6% | 32.2% | 34.2% | 23.1% | 33.4% | 21.6% | 21.3% |
Total (N) | 3,269 | 3,302 | 3,051 | 3,289 | 3,173 | 3,488 | 3,749 | 4,211 | 3,787 | 3,013 |
Location of future employment (among those seeking employment) | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anywhere; location is not important | 42.0% | 41.9% | 44.8% | 43.6% | 42.7% | 42.8% | 43.0% | 33.2% | 37.2% | 36.8% |
In North Carolina only | 21.4% | 20.9% | 17.9% | 20.2% | 22.0% | 21.7% | 21.3% | 21.4% | 21.2% | 21.2% |
Anywhere in the USA | 35.9% | 36.3% | 36.2% | 35.5% | 34.6% | 34.4% | 34.2% | 44.1% | 40.5% | 41.3% |
Outside the USA only | 0.7% | 0.9% | 1.1% | 0.8% | 0.7% | 1.1% | 1.5% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 0.7% |
Total (N) | 2,535 | 2,292 | 2,455 | 2,249 | 2,152 | 2,295 | 2,883 | 2,803 | 2,969 | 2,371 |
Posted: July, 2010
Download a Microsoft Word Version of this report.
Return to First-Year Student Survey Trends Table of Contents Page