Statistics uncover why students choose NDSU
Incoming freshmen cite academic reputation and job aquisition as deciding factors
President Joseph Chapman has often said, “Students are paramount.”
Statistics gathered by the Division of Student Affairs show he means it.
Prakash Matthew, vice president for student affairs, presented statistics about enrollment, student retention and graduation rates to the President’s Council Dec. 13.
“Everything we do, students are the number one priority,” Mathew said. “We ask, ‘is it right for the students? How will it impact the students?’”
According to Mathew’s presentation, NDSU’s first to second year retention and first to third year retention rates are above the national average.
For instance, in 2002, 72.5 percent of college students nationwide returned for their second year of college. Seventy-eight percent returned to NDSU for their second year.
According to a survey of incoming freshmen in Fall 2005, the top two reasons students picked NDSU were its academic reputation (47.7 percent) and graduates getting good jobs (46.3 percent).
The 2006 Annual Employment Report, which surveyed graduates from the 2005-2006 school year, said that of 1206 respondents, 71.6 percent are employed, 23 percent were pursuing another degree and 5.4 percent were still looking for a job.
Mathew said that in terms of grades and ACT scores, incoming students were also above the national average.
Although a 2.5 high school grade point average is required for admittance into NDSU, the average incoming freshman in Fall 2006 had a 3.3 grade point average.
Mathew’s presentation also noted the fact that an increasing number of students, both at NDSU and nationwide, are taking five or six years to graduate, rather than the traditional four.
NDSU has more sixth year undergraduate students than the national average, but Mathew believes this is because the engineering, architecture and pharmacy programs are big here, and all of those programs take longer to finish.
Also, because more students hold jobs to pay for college as well as support themselves, they work more hours than students did in the past, which means they take fewer credits.
Mathew said the university encourages students to work 15-20 hours a week, but many find they need to work more than that.
Mathews believes that the apparent growth of the university and success of the students is due at least in part to the university’s concern for the students.
Mathew and Chapman met with Student Body President Dante Miller and Student Body Vice President Melissa Mallett in order for both sides to discuss concerns, priorities and issues.
Enrollment is now at 12, 258 students, and enrollment has risen every year since 1997. Mathew expects the trend to continue.
“We have room to grow further, and I’m confident we will grow. It is happening naturally because this is an institution of choice,” Mathew said. “The students are seeing the good things that are happening at this quality institution and they want to come here. We need to consider things such as the faculty/student ratio and make sure that adequate staff is in place, because we want to provide the personal touch that is so important for the students.”
Official spring enrollment statistics will be tabulated on the 15th day of classes.