Student Satisfaction, Value of Education and Employment Outcomes #GEI 68
The value of education continues to be a debated topic in the US and this sentiment is starting to echo in the UK, especially against the backdrop of potential higher education reforms in the current political climate. UK-based Higher Education Policy Institute reveals that only 37% of university students believe they get value for money, while an overwhelming 86% are opposed to the government increasing fees even if universities can demonstrate excellent teaching. In the US, Ruffalo Noel Levitz stresses the need for institutions to appease students and play an active role in alleviating concerns on ROI (returns on investment) — through measures such as providing greater transparency on graduate employment outcomes and establishing stronger alumni networks to connect their success stories with students.
Meanwhile, survey results from Australia’s Quality Indicators for Teaching and Learning (QILT) and the Canadian University Survey Consortium both reveal that students are generally satisfied with their higher education experiences. Notably though, QILT points out that while student satisfaction in Australia is at an all-time high, Australian students continue to be less satisfied than their counterparts in the US and the UK.
85% of UK undergrads satisfied with their course but they are also becoming more demanding
Although 85% of UK undergraduates are satisfied with their course, only 37% think they get value for money and an overwhelming 86% are opposed to the government’s plan to let universities raise their fees in line with inflation, even if these universities can demonstrate excellent teaching. This is according to the 2016 Student Academic Experience Survey, which reveals crucial findings for policymakers as they implement the biggest higher education reforms for a generation. For the first time ever, the survey correlates students’ satisfaction levels with other features of the student experience. The strongest correlation is with prior expectations being met, followed by having teaching staff who are supportive. While the overall student experience still remains a positive one, students as consumers are becoming more demanding, with students looking for evidence of value for money, high-quality teaching and staff who continuously develop their skills.
Value of education continues to receive attention in the US
This national report examines the satisfaction and priorities of more than 578,000 students across various types of institutions in the US. Similar to findings in last year’s report, students at four-year and career institutions continue to remain significantly unsatisfied with the value of their tuition. The report stresses the need for campuses to get in front of these concerns, suggesting strategies such as publishing graduate employment outcomes and conducting price sensitivity research to assess how students feel about cost. It also raises the importance of academic advising services as they have long been identified as a way to connect with students and keep them on the path to completion. The survey reveals that academic advising is a challenge for community colleges but an area of strength at four-year and career institutions. Other topics explored include the likelihood of students to re-enrol, student satisfaction with financial aid, and perceptions of campus climate.
High student satisfaction at Australian institutions, but US and UK still outperform
The latest Student Experience Survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of students in Australia (80%) expressed satisfaction with the quality of their overall educational experience. 2015 represented the first time ever that 39 non-university higher education institutions (NUHEIs) participated in this survey alongside 40 universities Australia-wide. Comparing different aspects of the educational experience, NUHEI students expressed higher satisfaction than university students in the areas of Student Support, Skills Development, Learner Engagement and Teaching Quality, while university students expressed greater satisfaction in the area of Learning Resources. Overall, student satisfaction continues at record high levels, although comparative data shows that Australian students continue to be less satisfied with their higher education experience than their counterparts in the US and the UK.
A deep dive into satisfaction of first-year students in Canadian universities
The Canadian University Survey Consortium released the results of its 2016 survey, which tracks the attitudes and perceptions of nearly 15,000 first-year students from 34 universities across Canada. Overall, 95% of first-year students said they would recommend their university to others. In terms of university selection, students indicated that their three most important considerations were: Their university has the program they wanted to take (33%), they wanted to live close to home (16%), and their program had a work experience program (12%). Looking towards their satisfaction with various educational experiences, while most reported having had positive experiences with professors, it is worth noting that three areas receive less than 70% agreement: “Professors take a personal interest in their academic progress”, “professors provide useful feedback on academic work”, and “professors provide prompt feedback on academic work”.
Greater emphasis on employment outcomes to maximise education ROI
A global survey of international postgraduate applicants finds that students are giving greater weight to employment outcomes when choosing to study abroad. “Personal interest” on the other hand, has declined as a motivating factor. In keeping with this sharper focus on employment goals, the 2015 survey finds a growing global interest in STEM subjects, particularly computer sciences and engineering. University reputation, affordability and location are also explored to understand the key motivations influencing prospective students. The report makes a host of recommendations to assist institutions in attracting international postgraduate students, including a focus on employability through establishing close partnerships with industry, providing data on employment rates, and offering information about employability-boosting opportunities such as internships and mentoring programs.
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