ERIC Number: ED382288
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1994-Dec
Pages: 34
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Student Characteristics as Compared to the Community Profile of Fall 1993. Volume XXIII, No. 4.
Lucas, John A.; Meltesen, Cal
A study was conducted at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) in Palatine, Illinois, to develop a profile of fall 1993 students, compare student and community demographic data, and determine the percentage of various community sub-groups served by the college. A random sample of 500 degree-credit students (representing 3.2% of the 15,518 students enrolled in fall 1993) and 300 non-degree students (representing 4% of the 7,436 students), were surveyed. Based on responses from 78% of the degree-credit students and 76% of the non-degree students, study findings included the following: (1) the average age of non-degree students was 39, while the average age of degree-credit students was 26; (2) slightly less than 30% of degree-credit students and none of the non-degree students attended WRHC full time; (3) 45% of the degree-credit students and 63% of the non-degree students entered with some college coursework; (4) 60% of the degree-credit students worked full time, earning an average salary of $37,537; (5) almost 80% of the non-degree students worked full time, and nearly 80% earned an average salary of $57,157; (6) slightly less than 50% of the degree-credit students were paying for their own education, and the average salary of parents supporting students was $65,378; and (7) most degree-credit students stated that they were persuaded to attend due to the proximity to campus, cost, and the availability of desired courses, while non-degree students were more influenced by the semester schedules sent by WRHC through the mail. The survey instrument is included. (KP)
Descriptors: College Credits, Community Colleges, Comparative Analysis, Continuing Education, Credit Courses, Educational Attainment, Enrollment Influences, Noncredit Courses, Paying for College, Questionnaires, School Surveys, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, Student Educational Objectives, Two Year College Students, Two Year Colleges
Publication Type: Numerical/Quantitative Data; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: William Rainey Harper Coll., Palatine, IL. Office of Planning and Research.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A