freshmen orientation survey report€¦ · freshman survey fall 2011 1 summary a survey was...

Freshmen Orientation Survey Report

New Jersey City University

Fall 2011

Dr. Arthur Kramer Candace Amorino

Alex Oras Office of Institutional Research

October 2011

Table of Contents

Summary ..........................................................................................................................................1

Incoming Freshmen Report ..............................................................................................................2

Appendix ........................................................................................................................................14

Table of Pie Charts

Age…………..….…………………………………………………………………………............2

Last School Attended……………………….…………………………………………………….2

When Was Last School Attended...…………………………………………………....................3

Father’s Highest Level of Education…………….…………....…………………………………..4

Mother’s Highest Level of Education…………………………..………...………………………4

Parents’ Highest Level of Education……………………………………………..……………….5

Hours of Employment Expected to Work…………….………………..………...……………….6

Amount of Hours Expected to Take Care of a Child……….…………………..……………...…6

Amount of Hours Expected to Take Care of a Relative…………………………..………………7

Planned Time Period to Take Class……….………………………………..……….....………....7

Tuition as a Factor in Choosing NJCU ………………………………….……………………….8

Convenience to Home as a Factor in Choosing NJCU ……………………………………..……8

Reputation as a Factor in Choosing NJCU………………………………………………………9

Opportunity for Financial Aid as a Factor in Choosing NJCU..……..…..……………...………10

Offering of Program as a Factor in Choosing NJCU……………………..…………….………10

Cooperative Education Program as a Factor in Choosing to Attend NJCU.…………….……..11

Plan on Graduating from NJCU………………………………………...….…………………..12

Hopes for a Good Job…………………………………………...….....………………………..12

Hopes to Attend Graduate School…………….…………………...………...............................13

Likely Major Chosen by Freshmen…………………………………….…................................13

Table of Tables

Table-1 Age …………………………………………………………………………...14

Table-2 Last School Attended……………………………………………………..….14

Table-3 When Was Last School Attended……………………………………............15

Table-4 Father’s Highest Level of Education…………….…………....………….….15

Table-5 Mother’s Highest Level of Education…………………………..………...…16

Table-6 Parents’ Highest Level of Education……………………………..………….17

Table-7 Hours of Employment Expected During School Year…………...…………..18

Table-8 Hours Caring for a Child During School Year…………………..…………..18

Table-9 Hours Caring for an Elder During School Year…………………..…………19

Table-10 Time Period to Attend Class………………………………..……..………...19

Table-11 Tuition as a Factor in Choosing NJCU…………………………..………….20

Table-12 Convenience to Home as a Factor in Choosing NJCU…………..………….20

Table-13 Reputation as a Factor in Choosing NJCU………………………..………...21

Table-14 Opportunity for Financial Aid as a Factor in Choosing NJCU……...…..….21

Table-15 Offering of Program as a Factor in Choosing NJCU…………….....………22

Table-16 Cooperative Education Program as a Factor in Choosing to Attend NJCU..22

Table-17 Plan on Graduating from NJCU………………………………………….…23

Table-18 Hopes for a Good Job…………………………………………...…..……...23

Table-19 Hopes to Attend Graduate School…………….……………………….......24

Table-20 Likely Major Chosen by Freshmen…………………………………….…...24

Freshman survey fall 2011 1

Summary

A survey was conducted of the incoming freshmen class at Freshmen Orientation in the

summer of 2011. Three hundred and seventy-three freshmen completed the survey and the

information gathered in this report discusses the results obtained from this group of freshmen.

The respondents are typical of what is considered a traditional college freshman class;

around 18 years old and enrolling directly from high school. The freshmen parents’ highest level

of education varied. Both parents with a high school degree and one parent with a four year

college degree were among the majority. One parent with a high school degree also was also

highly represented.

Most of the freshmen expect to work a paying job at least on a part-time basis, and very

few plan to work full-time (i.e., 35 or more hours per week).

Most of the incoming freshmen do not have to care for a child or ailing relative, and they

expect to take most of their classes during the day.

Low tuition was the most important factor in selecting NJCU over other universities. The

opportunity for financial aid and offering of a particular program/major area of study were also

important factors. The majority of the freshmen expect to graduate in four years, and 15% plan

to transfer prior to graduating. The main reason for attending NJCU was to acquire the ability to

get a good job after graduating. The most popular likely majors were Criminal Justice, Business

Administration, and Biology.


Incoming Freshmen Report The majority of the freshmen (n=305; 83%) are eighteen years old or under with 15%

(n=56) being nineteen to twenty-one years old (see Table-1).

High School was the last school attended for 97% (n=359) of freshmen (see Table-2).

83%

15%

1%1% Age of Student

18 or under

19 to 21

26 to 30

Over 34

97%

2%1%

Last School Attended By Incoming Freshmen

High School

4 yr college

2 yr college


Ninety-two percent (n=339) attended their last school less than a year ago and 5% (n=18) attended 1 to 2 years ago (see Table-3).

2% 1%

5%

92%

Last Time Student Attended School

More than 10 yrs

3 to 5 yrs

1 to 2 yrs

Less than 1 yr


Sixty-seven percent (n=235) of the freshmen said their fathers have not had any college education and 25% (n=87) indicated that their fathers had some high school as their highest level of education. Forty-two percent (n=148) said their fathers’ highest level of education was a high school diploma or the equivalent. Nine percent (n=31) of the freshmen’s’ fathers had a four year college degree and 7% (n=26) had a graduate degree (see Table-4).

Forty-eight percent (n=174) of the freshmen’s mothers have not had any college education. Seventeen percent (n=61) of the freshmen’s mothers’ highest level of education is some high school. Thirty-one percent (n=113) had a high school diploma or the equivalent. Thirteen percent (n=47) of the mothers had a four year college degree and 10% (n=36) had a graduate degree (see Table-5).

25%

42%

12%

5%

9%

7%

Father's Highest Level of Education

Some High School

High school diploma

Some college

2 yr college dgree

4 yr college degree

Graduate degree

17%

31%

21%

8%

13%

10%

Mother's Highest Education

Some high school

High school diploma

Some college

2 yr college degree

4 yr college degree

Graduate degree


Thirteen percent (n= 44) of the freshmen have one parent with a four year degree and 11 percent (n=36) have one parent with a high school degree as their highest level of education. Eighteen percent (n=63) have both parents with a high school degree and 3% (n=9) have both parents with a four year degree (see Table-6).

11%

7%

13%

9%

20%

18%

1%

3%

4%

11%

3%

Parents Highest Level of EducationOne parent has a high school degree

One parent has a 2 yr degree

One parent has a 4 yr degree

One parent has a graduate degree

One parent has college experience

Both parents have a high school degree

Both parents have a 2 yr degree

Both parents have a 4 yr degree

Both parents have a graduate degree

Both parents have some high school

Both parents have some college experience


Of the freshmen, 39% (n=141) expect to work eleven to twenty hours a week during the school year. Twenty-two percent (n=79) expect to work between 21-34 hours a week and 8% (n=29) expect to work fulltime (35 hours or more a week). Fourteen percent (n=49) do not expect to work at all during the school year (see Table-7).

The majority of the freshmen (81%; n=292) will not spend anytime caring for a child, while 4% (n=15) will spend thirty-five or more hours doing so (see Table-8).

14%

17%

39%

22%

8%

Amount of Hours Expected to Work

None

10 or fewer

11 ‐20

21‐34

35 or more

81%

10%

3%

2% 4%

Amount of Hours Expected to Take Care of a Child

None

10 or fewer

11‐20

21‐34

35 or more


Similarly, 88% (n=313) will not spend anytime caring for an elderly or ailing relative and 9% (n=32) will spend ten or fewer hours doing so (see Table-9).

As for the time period when freshmen will take classes, 63% (n=230) will take day courses only (before 4pm) and 2% (n=7) will take evenings only while 35% (n=129) will take both day and evening classes (see Table-10).

88%

9%2% 1%

Amount of Hours Expected to Take Care of a Relative

None

10 or fewer

11 ‐ 20

35 or more

63%

2%

35%

Planned Time Period to Take Class

Days only before 4pm

Evenings only after 4pm

Days and evenings


Freshmen were asked to rate reasons for electing to attend NJCU. Low tuition was rated as a very important factor by 58% (n=214) and 26% (n=95) felt tuition was a somewhat important reason (see Table-11).

Forty-eight percent (n=179) rated convenience to home as a very important factor and 29% (n=107) found it somewhat important. Fourteen percent (n=50) were neutral about this as a factor for attending (see Table-12).

58%

26%

12%1% 3%

The level of Importance of Low Tuition as a Reason to Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important

Not important at all

48%

29%

14%

5%4%

The Level of Importance of Convenience to Home as a Reason to Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important



Forty-six percent (n=166) rated the reputation of the university as a very important reason to attend NJCU. Twenty-nine percent (n=105) found it somewhat important and twenty-three percent (n=82) were neutral about reputation for being a reason to attend NJCU (see Table-13).

46%

29%

23%

1% 1%

The Level of Importance of Academic Reputation of the University as a Reason to

Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important



The opportunity for financial aid was rated as very important by 66% (n=246) and 15% (n=57) felt it was a somewhat important reason for electing to attend NJCU (see Table-14).

Sixty percent (n=219) regarded the offering of a particular major as a very important reason for attending and 23% (n=83) rated it as somewhat important (see Table-15).

66%

15%

13%

3% 3%

The Level of Importance of the Opportunity for Finiacial Aid as a Reason to Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important


60%

23%

12%

3% 2%

The Level of Importance of a Particular Program/Major Being Offered as a Reason

to Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important



Participation in cooperative education was somewhat important to 29% (n=105) of the freshmen and15% (n=53) found it to be very important. Thirty-four percent (n=122) of the freshmen were neutral about this as a factor for attending (see Table-16).

The most important characteristic for selecting NJCU was low tuition, which was rated as very important or somewhat important by 84% (n=309) of freshmen. The second most important characteristic was the offering of a particular major/program (83%; n=302) and the third was the opportunity to receive financial aid (81%; n =303).

15%

29%

34%

10%

12%

The Level of Importance of Participating in the NJCU Cooperative Ed Program as a

Reason to Attend NJCU

Very important

Somewhat important

Neutral

Not too important



Eighty-one percent (n=296) of the freshmen plan to graduate from NJCU, with 63 percent (n=229) expect to graduate in four years. Fifteen percent (n=55) plan to transfer to another institution (see Table-17).

Ninety-four percent (n=336) of the freshmen rated the importance of getting a good job or better job after graduation as very important (see Table-18).

63%8%

10%

15%

4%

Does the Student Plan on Graduating From NJCU

Yes within 4 yrs

Yes within 5 yrs

yes dont know how long

No plan to take course and transfer

Other

94%

5%1%

The Importance of Getting a Good Job After Graduation

Very important

Somewhat important



Forty-eight percent (n=172) of the freshmen rated their hope to attend graduate school after graduation as very important and 31% (n=112) rated this as a somewhat important (see Table-19).

As for likely majors chosen by the freshmen, 12% (n=37) chose Criminal Justice, 11% (n=33) indicated Business Administration and 8% (n=25) chose Biology. Elementary Education was chosen by 5% (n=15) of the freshmen. Sixteen percent (n=48) of the freshmen are undecided (see Table-20).

48%

31%

14%

7%

The Level of Importance of Going to Graduate School

Very important

Somewhat important

Not too important


41%

45%

14%

Likely College Student Will Study In

Professional Studies

Arts and Sciences

Education


APPENDIX

Table-1: Age

Frequency Valid Percent

Valid 18 or under 305 81.8

19 to 21 56 15.0

22 to 25 2 .5

26 to 30 4 1.1

31 to 34 2 .5

Over 34 4 1.1

Total 373 100.0

Table-2: Last School Attended


Valid High School 359 96.5

4 yr college 6 1.6

2 yr college 4 1.1

Vocational or Tech school 2 .5

Other 1 .3

Total 372 100.0

Missing -1 1

Total 373


APPENDIX (Continued)

Table-3: When Last School Was Attended


Valid More than 10 yrs

6 to 10 yrs

3 to 5 yrs

1 to 2 yrs

Less Than 1 yr

Total

Missing -1

Total

7

2

6

18

339

372

1

373

1.9

.5

1.6

4.8

91.1

100.00

Table-4: Father’s Highest Level of Education


Valid Some high school 87 24.6

High school diploma/equiv 148 41.9

Some college 43 12.2

2 yr college degree 18 5.1


Graduate/Prof degree 26 7.4

Total 353 100.0

Missing -1 20

Total 373



Table-5: Mother’s Highest Level of Education


Valid Some high school 61 17.0

High school diploma/equiv 113 31.5

Some college 75 20.9



Graduate/Prof degree 36 10.0

Total 359 100.0

Missing -1 14

Total 373



Table-6: Parent’s Highest Level of Education


Valid Missing 30 8.0

One parent has a high school

degree

36 9.7

One parent has a 2 yr degree 25 6.7

One parent has a 4 yr degree 44 11.8

One parent has a graduate

degree

32 8.6

One parent has college

experience

69 18.5

Both parents have a high

school degree

63 16.9

Both parents have a 2 yr

degree

4 1.1

Both parents have a 4 yr

degree

9 2.4

Both parents have a graduate

degree

13 3.5

Both parents have some high

school

39 10.5

Both parents have some

college experience

9 2.4

Total 373 100.0



Table-7:Hours of Employment Expected During School Year


Valid None 49 13.6

10 or fewer 62 17.2

11 -20 141 39.2

21-34 79 21.9

35 or more 29 8.1

Total 360 100.0

Missing -1 13

Total 373

Table-8: Hours Caring for a Child During School Year


Valid None 292 81.3

10 or fewer 35 9.7

11-20 11 3.1

21-34 6 1.7

35 or more 15 4.2

Total 359 100.0

Missing -1 14

Total 373



Table-9: Hours Caring for an Elder During School Year


Valid None 313 87.4

10 or fewer 32 8.9

11 - 20 9 2.5

21-34 1 .3

35 or more 3 .8

Total 358 100.0

Missing -1 15

Total 373

Table-10: Time Period to Attend Class


Valid Days only before 4pm 230 62.8

Evenings only after 4pm 7 1.9

Days and evenings 129 35.2

Total 366 100.0

Missing -1 7

Total 373



Table-11: Tuition as a Factor in Choosing NJCU


Valid Very important 214 58.0

Somewhat important 95 25.7

Neutral 44 11.9

Not too important 5 1.4

Not important at all 11 3.0

Total 369 100.0

Missing -1 4

Total 373

Table-12: Convenience to Home as a Factor in Choosing NJCU




Neutral 50 13.5



Total 370 100.0

Missing -1 3

Total 373



Table-13:Reputation as a Factor in Choosing NJCU




Neutral 82 22.7



Total 362 100.0

Missing -1 11

Total 373

Table-14: Opportunity for Financial Aid as a Factor in Choosing NJCU




Neutral 46 12.4



Total 371 100.0

Missing -1 2

Total 373



Table-15:Offering of Program as a Factor in Choosing NJCU




Neutral 45 12.3



Total 366 100.0

Missing -1 7

Total 373

Table-16:Cooperative Education Program as a Factor in Choosing to Attend NJCU




Neutral 122 34.2



Total 357 100.0

Missing -1 16

Total 373



Table-17: Plan on Graduating from NJCU


Valid Yes within 4 yrs 229 62.4

Yes within 5 yrs 30 8.2

Yes within 6 yrs 1 .3

yes don’t know how long 36 9.8

No plan to take course and

transfer

55 15.0

Other 16 4.4

Total 367 100.0

Missing -1 6

Total 373

Table-18: Hopes for a Good Job




Not too important 1 .3


Total 360 100.0

Missing -1 13

Total 373



Table-19: Hopes to Attend Graduate School






Total 357 100.0

Missing -1 16

Total 373 Table-20: Likely Major Chosen by Freshmen


Valid Accounting Art Biology Business Admin Chemistry Computer Science Criminal Justice

Early Childhood Education Economics Elementary Education English Fire Science Geo Science Health Science History Mathematics Media Arts Music Nursing Physics Political Science Prof Security Psychology Sociology Spanish Special education Undecided Total Missing -1 Total

81125331

1037171

1510915569

129221

15314

48300

73373

2.73.78.3

11.0.3

3.312.35.7

.35.03.33.0

.31.71.72.03.04.03.0

.7

.7

.35.01.0

.31.3

16.0100.00

freshmen orientation survey report€¦ · freshman survey fall 2011 1 summary a survey was...

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