New Student Survey

The Survey

During the summer of 2008, incoming freshmen and transfer students were asked to participate in the New Student Survey before they attended student orientation.  The New Student Survey was designed to determine the effectiveness of Columbia College marketing techniques, students' financial preparation, living and employment status, and students' service expectations.  814 freshmen and 455 transfer students responded to the survey (a 34% and 32% response rate, respectively).  Complete results for both freshmen and transfer student respondents are provided in Appendix I of the full report.

Highlights

A large proportion of both freshman and transfer students either do not know about the financial aid process or have postponed their intent to apply (often risking eligibility for a number of aid programs).

A significant number of students are planning to work more than 20 hours per week while attending Columbia.

Parents and relatives are the biggest influence affecting an incoming freshmen's college decision making process.