WIXLIB

Primary Reason For Attending CODAlumniWhat was the primary reason you originally chose to attend COD?Obtain an Associate degree in orderto transfer to a 4-year institution53%Complete a certificate program17%Obtain an Associate degree as a final education goal14%Complete course(s) for my occupation/profession(single course, continuing education credit, etc.)8%Take course(s) for leisure/personal fulfillment3%Obtain a Bachelor’s degree throughCOD’s 3 1 degree program3%Other2%Other Responses3 respondents said “to takecheaper classes.”Question Wording: What was the primary reason you originally chose to attend College of DuPage? To (select one)22

Status as of Last Class at CODAlumniAs of your last class at COD, what was your status?Obtained an Associate degree in orderto transfer to a 4-year institution42%Obtained an Associate degree as a final education goal20%Completed a certificate program20%Completed course(s) for my occupation/profession(single course, continuing education credit, etc.)8%Completed courses toward but didnot earn an Associate degree5%Obtained a Bachelor’s degree throughCOD’s 3 1 degree program2%Completed course(s) for leisure/personal andRetoolingContinuingEducation45%45%10%Other Responses2 respondents said “completed coursestoward but did not earn a certificate.”2%Question Wording: As of your last class at College of DuPage, what was your status? (select one)23

Primary Reason for Attending COD vs. Status as ofLast ClassAlumniWhat was the primary reason you originallychoose to attend COD? To Completecourse(s) forObtain anObtain amyObtain rse(s) forComplete a degree indegreeprofessiondegree as aleisure/certificateorder tothrough(singlefinalpersonalprogram transfer to aCOD’s 3 goalinstitutionprogrameducationcredit, etc.)Completed course(s) for leisure/personalfulfillmentCompleted course(s) for myoccupation/profession (single course, continuingeducation credit, etc.)Completed a certificate programAs of your last class at Completed courses toward but did not earn anCOD, what was your Associate degreestatus?Obtained an Associate degree in order totransfer to a 4-year institutionObtained an Associate degree as a finaleducation goalObtained a Bachelor’s degree through COD’s3 1 degree programOther (please %2%1%1%7%23%Question Wording: What was the primary reason you originally chose to attend College of DuPage? To (select one)/)/As of your last class at College of DuPage,what was your status? (select one)24

Evaluating CollegesIn general, what factors are importantto students when selecting a college?How are 2-year and 4-year schoolsperceived differently?What perceptions exist regardingtransferring?25

Important Attributes in College DecisionProspects, Internal Audiences, and AlumniAbbreviation For ReportingAcademic programs offeredLocation within 25 milesAcademic qualityReputationEvening & weekend classesOnline classesHybrid classesMany student organizationsAffordableOn-campus housingFacilitiesBeautiful campusSafe campusPartnerships & transfer agreementsSense of communityTransferable creditsJob skills trainingTaught by professorsFaculty & student interactionSmall class sizeEmployment opportunitiesFull Description TestedAcademic programs/courses offeredLocation within 25 miles of where you liveHigh academic qualityExcellent overall reputationEvening and/or weekend classes availableOnline classes availableHybrid classes available (mix of classroom and online learning)Many student clubs and organizationsAffordable compared to other options you are consideringOn-campus housing availableState-of-the art facilitiesBeautiful campusSafe campusHas partnerships and transfer agreements with other schoolsStrong sense of community among students, faculty, and staffMost credits are directly transferable to other schoolsProvides job skills trainingCourses taught by the actual professors and not teaching assistantsHigh level of interaction between faculty and studentsSmall class size (under 25 students)Employment opportunities while you are attending school26

Important Attributes in College DecisionCurrent Students and AlumniCurrent StudentsAlumni80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Question Wording: What FIVE attributes most influenced your decision to attend College of DuPage? (mark up to 5).27

Important Attributes in College DecisionProspectsProspects Who Definitely/Probably Will AttendProspects Who Definitely/Probably Will NOT Attend70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Question Wording: What FIVE attributes are MOST important to you in your decision to attend a specific school? (select up to 5). COD not revealed as sponsor28

Important Attributes in College DecisionProspects, Current Students, and AlumniProspects Who Definitely/Probably Will AttendProspects Who Definitely/Probably Will NOT AttendCurrent StudentsAlumni80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Question Wording: (Prospects) What FIVE attributes are MOST important to you in your decision to attend a specific school? (select up to 5). / (InternalAudiences/Alumni) What FIVE attributes most influenced your decision to attend College of DuPage? (mark up to 5). COD not revealed as sponsor for prospects.29

Important Attributes in College Decision: byCohortsCurrent Students and AlumniCurrent inuingand Retooling gand Retooling EducationAffordable compared to other options you are considering68%58%59%75%61%51%Most credits are directly transferable to other schools46%13%22%54%20%41%Has partnerships and transfer agreements with other schools25%8%8%28%7%0%Academic programs/courses offered28%51%38%30%49%43%Evening and/or weekend classes available28%41%34%28%35%41%Online classes available23%34%19%22%24%20%Employment opportunities while you are attending school8%8%7%11%6%2%Provides job skills training4%18%13%2%17%12%Pink boxes used to highlight key differencesQuestion Wording: (Prospects) What FIVE attributes are MOST important to you in your decision to attend a specific school? (select up to 5). / (InternalAudiences/Alumni) What FIVE attributes most influenced your decision to attend College of DuPage? (mark up to 5). COD not revealed as sponsor for prospects.30

Aspects of Academic Programs/Courses that areMost ImportantProspects, Current Students, & Alumni*Prospects40%65%52%Current Students36%Alumni40%Said “Academic programs/courses offered” are an important factor52%27%27%20%52%16%13%20%1%School offers my specificprogram/major of interestSchool offers a wide varietyof course offerings in myspecific area(s) of interestSchool offers a wide varietyof programs/majors overallso there is a better chance ofhaving one I am interested in5%2%Other*Only respondents who indicated that the academic programs offered is/was an important factor in their college decision. Prospects (n 119), CurrentStudents (n 218), Alumni (n 210).Question Wording: (Prospects) What specifically about a school’s academic programs/courses is MOST important to you when deciding on a school to attend?(select one). / (Current Students/Alumni) What specifically about College of DuPage’s academic programs/courses MOST influenced your decision to attend?(select all that apply). COD not revealed as sponsor for prospects.31

Important Attributes in Child Selecting a SchoolAbbreviation for ReportOffers programVariety of programsAcademic qualityReputationOnline classesAffordableFacilitiesTransferable creditsJob skills trainingTaught by professorsSmall class sizeFull Description Tested Offers my child’s specific program or major of interest Offers a wide variety of programs or majors overall so there is better chanceof having one my child is interested in High academic quality Excellent overall reputation Online classes available Affordable compared to other options your child is considering State-of-the art facilities Most credits are directly transferable to other schools Provides job skills training Courses taught by the actual professors and not teaching assistants Small class size (under 25 students)32

Parents’ Important Attributes in Child’s Selectionof a SchoolParents of Prospects% Top 2 BoxExtremely 10Important99.2% Bottom 2 965440%79%65%61%59%57%30%56%48%32NotImportant 1At All50%45%1%1%1%3%3%1%2%20%37%34%1%2%16% 13%Scale: 1 Not At All Important, 10 Extremely Important, “Don’t Know” excluded from meansQuestion Wording: Next, I’m going to read you several attributes which may or may not be important to you, as a parent, in your child’s decision to attend aspecific school. For each, please tell me how important that attribute is using a scale where 1 is not at all important and 10 is extremely important. COD notrevealed as sponsor.3310%0%

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsProspectsWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?86%Offer smaller class sizes?67%Is a first-choice school?23%Have diverse student populations?22%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?Offer a wider variety of course offerings?6% 8%14%19%61%22%16%55%53%13%16%58%31%29%Have higher caliber faculty?7%63%30%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?7%65%29%Offer a traditional college experience?7%Have state-of-the-art facilities?5%57%Have higher academic quality? 2%64%75%19%38%34%Question Wording: Think about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools and select the response that best answers each of thefollowing questions. COD not revealed as sponsor.34

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsParents of ProspectsWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?72%Offer smaller class sizes?49%Have diverse student populations?22%26%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?19%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?18%Is a first-choice school?17%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?11%24%6%Offer a traditional college experience?6%Have higher caliber faculty?5%Have higher academic quality?4%30%50%48%33%55%27%62%9%Have state-of-the-art centages recalculated without “don’t know”. Less than 10% of respondents said “don’t know” for each option.Question Wording: I’m going to ask you a series of questions about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools. For each of thefollowing questions, I’d like you to tell me if you believe the answer is “2-year schools,” “4-year schools” or if “they are the same.” COD not revealed as sponsor.35

Perceptions of 2-Year Vs. 4-Year SchoolsDistrict 502 AdultsWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?85%Offer smaller class sizes?62%Have diverse student populations?27%Is a first-choice school?15%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?14%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?14%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?13%Offer a traditional college experience?7% 8%18%24%49%73%Have higher caliber faculty? 3%Have higher academic quality? 2%12%61%53%24%33%64%6%Have state-of-the-art facilities? 4%20%22%80%59%72%72%15%37%24%25%Percentages recalculated without “don’t know”. Less than 12% of respondents said “don’t know” for each option.Question Wording: I’m going to ask you a series of questions about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools. For each of thefollowing questions, I’d like you to tell me if you believe the answer is “2-year schools,” “4-year schools” or if “they are the same.” COD not revealed as sponsor.36

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsCurrent StudentsWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?2%93%Offer smaller class sizes?76%Have diverse student populations?32%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?8%16%27%Is a first-choice school?18%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?17%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?9%Have state-of-the-art facilities?8%Have higher caliber faculty?7%Offer a traditional college experience?7%Have higher academic 9%76%58%5%17%35%Question Wording: Think about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools and select the response that best answers each of thefollowing questions.37

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsAlumniWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?Offer smaller class sizes?75%Have diverse student populations?36%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?14%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?13%Have higher caliber faculty?10%8%Have higher academic quality? 5%Offer a traditional college experience?3%37%17%26%40%74%12%56%45%4%53%42%23%Is a first-choice school?8%11%32%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?Have state-of-the-art facilities?1%95%32%45%54%37%58%37%81%16%Question Wording: Think about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools and select the response that best answers each of thefollowing questions.38

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsFacultyWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?0%3%97%Offer smaller class sizes?79%Have diverse student populations?41%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?5%11%33%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?41%17%Have state-of-the-art facilities?13%Is a first-choice school?11%Have higher caliber faculty?4%Have higher academic quality?4%Offer a traditional college 2%42%63%33%86%11%Question Wording: Think about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools and select the response that best answers each of thefollowing questions.39

Perceptions of 2-Year vs. 4-Year SchoolsStaffWhich schools typically 2-Year Schools4-Year SchoolsThey Are The SameOffer a lower cost of tuition, regardless of financial aid?Offer smaller class sizes?75%Offer a wider variety of course offerings?8%41%Have diverse student populations?38%38%Have better job placement after course or degree completion?20%Provide more cultural activities, such as arts and theatre?18%Have state-of-the-art facilities?1% 2%97%13%11%44%17%22%50%36%43%38%46%41%Is a first-choice school?8%Have higher caliber faculty?4%61%36%Have higher academic quality?3%62%35%Offer a traditional college experience?3%84%90%8%7%Question Wording: Think about the similarities and differences between 2-year schools and 4-year schools and select the response that best answers each of thefollowing questions.40

Perceptions/Misperceptions of TransferringAbbreviation for ReportingCore CourseworkTransferrableAssociate Degree Neededto Begin as JuniorAssociate DegreeRequired to TransferMust Declare Major toTransferFull DescriptionCore coursework taken at a 2-year school is transferrable to a 4-year schoolIn order to transfer from a 2-year school to a 4-year school and begin as a Junior, youmust first earn an Associate degreeAn Associate degree is required to transfer from a 2-year school to a 4-year schoolYou must declare a major in order to transfer from a 2-year school to a 4-year school41

Perceptions/Misperceptions of TransferringProspectsAlways TrueSometimes True25%Core Coursework TransferrableAssociate Degree Needed to Begin as JuniorMust Declare Major to TransferAssociate Degree Required to TransferFalse60%20%23%28%15%13%Don’t know29%19%37%29%34%Question Wording: Indicate if you believe each of the following statements is TRUE or FALSE. COD not revealed as sponsor.423%28%24%12%

Perceptions/Misperceptions of TransferringParents of ProspectsAlways TrueCore Coursework TransferrableAssociate Degree Needed to Begin as JuniorSometimes True35%18%16%Associate Degree Required to Transfer14%Don’t know69%21%Must Declare Major to TransferFalse42%36%3% 7%38%33%44%10%10%7%Question Wording: I’m going to read you a list of statements, please indicate if each statement is false, sometimes true, or always true. COD not revealed assponsor.43

Perceptions/Misperceptions of TransferringCurrent StudentsAlways TrueAssociate Degree Needed to Begin as JuniorAssociate Degree Required to TransferDon’t know34%18%3%78%18%30%12%9%False27%20%Core Coursework TransferrableMust Declare Major to TransferSometimes True22%35%60%Question Wording: Indicate if you believe each of the following statements is TRUE or FALSE.441%23%9%

3 1 DegreeProgramsWhat are audiences’ awareness andperceptions of COD’s 3 1 degreePrograms?What level of interest exists forthese programs?45

Are You Aware of COD’s 3 1 Degree Programs?Prospects/Parents of Prospects w/ COD familiarity 3* & all Current Students/AlumniProspectsParents of Prospects37%No 53%Yes47% YesNoCurrent StudentsNo26%80% “SeekingBachelor’s Degree” areaware, vs. 66%“Advancing andRetooling” and 65%“Continuing Education”63%AlumniNo 45%55% Yes74%Yes*Prospects (n 266), Parents of Prospects (n 175)Question Wording: Are you aware of College of DuPage’s “3 1 degree programs”?46

Perceptions/Misperceptions of 3 1 ProgramsAbbrevi

Augustana College Dominican University Loyola University Chicago Triton College Aurora University Elgin Community College Moraine Valley Community . 1 Weak Academic Programs, 10 Strong Academic Programs. "Don't know" excluded from means. . (PhD) Complete a certificate program Obtain other professional degree (law, medical, veterinary, etc.) .