What single factor makes for an excellent college education? As it turns out, it's pretty simple: human relationships. Decades of research demonstrate the transformative potential and the lasting legacies of a relationship-rich college experience. Critics suggest that to build connections with peers, faculty, staff, and other mentors is expensive…

Federal financial aid serves as a crucial tool to support both access and success for students in higher education. This is especially true at community colleges. Whether they are seeking job training, a certificate, or an associate degree, our students rely on consistent and meaningful sources of support to advance their educational aspirations.…

Using longitudinal college student (n=2,497) and parent data and interviews of a subsample (n=60), a study examined factors associated with parental savings for students' postsecondary education. Results suggest that socioeconomic status, student educational aspirations, and the extent to which parents think they will need outside financial help…

The term "student swirl" was coined by Alfredo de los Santos and Irene Wright in 1990, along with the term "double-dipping" (concurrent enrollment at two institutions), to characterize the back-and-forth, multi-institutional attendance pattern common among students attending community colleges. However, traditional…

A study investigated the factors influencing the decision of 180 doctoral students in higher-education administration to apply to their current institutions. Factors found particularly important to students of color included academic reputation and faculty friendliness, in addition to those factors rated as important by students in general. (MSE)

This paper presents the results of a survey titled "Postsecondary Plans of Nevada High School Seniors" that is administered biennially to provide educational planners with information about Nevada high school seniors' postsecondary plans. The survey consists of 43 questions and provides information in six areas: demographic…

A study investigated key factors used by 344 first-year college students to assess their fit to their university. Applying concepts of cognitive dissonance, the study showed perceptions of student/institution fit to be related to key attribute and aspirational variables. Implications for enrollment management, especially retention, are discussed.…

This paper presents a study designed to determine the reason first and post-first year students (N=61) chose to leave Chicago Urban University (CUU) prior to graduation. Data were sought from a random sample of 100 students via either a mailed or a telephone survey, with a 61% response rate. The 54-question interview/survey instrument examined the…

A study of families' means of paying for college using data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study strongly indicates that part of the process of deciding how students should pay for college is the parents' college financing experience. These effects appear in patterns in parent contribution, amount of financial aid received, and use of…

This study explored factors contributing to the educational aspirations of African American students. An underlying assumption of the study was that the paradigm for looking at aspirations as a key predictor of later attainment in college students may work differently for black students than for the general population. The study involved data…

Posits that West Germany's educational system created vulnerable and less vulnerable phases in the educational careers of various birth cohorts. Asserts that these phases resulted from the use of age-graded organization and from the different types of institutions that constitute the system. Shows how educational reforms affected educational…

Factors that affect the attainment of a bachelor's degree by urban students are outlined. The demographic profile of American school children makes it clear that problems for urban colleges and universities will grow in the years ahead. There is a correlation between income and education achievement; low income students do not achieve, persist, or…

A study of 308 communications professionals in south Florida investigated interest in graduate programs, both formal degree programs and professional continuing education. Results indicate the primary reason for enrollment in a formal degree program is not economic but perceived benefit to the employer. More minority group members wanted formal…

A survey of 1,499 graduate business students at 7 colleges and universities investigated perceptions of potential benefits of an advanced degree, and their relationships with degree type, school size/type, and student characteristics. Five perceived benefits included research and analytical skills, competitive advantage, monetary reward, career…

A survey of Alaska high school seniors was conducted in fall 1982 to determine students' opinions of their overall high school experience, their need for additional assistance in selected academic and career planning areas, general demographic information, their plans after high school graduation, and specific postsecondary plans. A total of 3,505…