Featured Reports

2017 College Student Survey

25 January 2018 In Featured Reports

2017 College Student Survey

By Jael Greene

A recent Strada-Gallup report examined how prepared college students feel for the workforce after graduation. Between 2000 and 2009, 73% of incoming freshmen reported that getting a better job was a critical factor in their decision to enroll in college. Since 2010, this has increased to 86% of incoming freshmen. This report, representing the views of more than 32,000 students, investigated what role factors such as major and student age play in building confidence levels.

Key findings include:

  • On average, only about one third (36%) of current students feel confident that they will graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
  • Students enrolled in STEM programs reported the highest level of confidence that their program of study would lead to a good job (62%) compared to public service (58%), business (51%) and liberal arts (40%).
  • The confidence levels of workforce preparedness and confidence in their major field of study would lead to a good job were higher among post-traditional students, compared to younger students.
    • 41% of students aged 24 or older were confident that they would graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the job market, compared to 32% of students younger than 24.
    • 43% of students aged 24 or older were confident that they would graduate with the skills and knowledge to be successful in the workplace, compared to 35% of students younger than 24.
    • 57% of students aged 24 or older were confident that their program of study would lead to a good job, compared to 52% of students younger than 24.
  • 46% of current students say that their academic advisers were very helpful in choosing what courses to take, but only 28% reported that their academic advisers were very helpful in identifying potential career options.
  • Compared to their counterparts, Black, Hispanic, first generation and post-traditional students were more likely to rate the guidance that they received from campus career services helpful.