RECENT SURVEYS of college students conducted by Louis Harris and Associates and Opinion Research Corp. demonstrate just how much college students have become enthralled by technology.
When comparing the differences between themselves and past generations, 37% of college students polled by Harris said technology is the most important advantage for their generation. The second most important benefit cited by 13% of students was better career opportunities.
Students typically spend 11 hours a week using computers at school and in their homes. This includes six hours per week accessing the Internet or using e-mail. About 66% use the Internet daily.
College students are willing to devote less time to a variety of activities but are least interested in curtailing their use of computers or going online. Accessing the Internet or using e-mail is preferable to studying, attending class, watching TV, listening to music, sleeping, socializing or holding down a job for most college students, according to a Harris survey.
Nearly one-third of the college students questioned by Opinion Research Corp. indicated that they would rather take courses on the Internet instead of going to a classroom.
More than half the students interested in online classes say the biggest advantage is the ability to work from home, while 19% noted the time saved from not having to commute.
– America’s 15 million college students spend more than $100 billion annually on goods and services, including about $6 billion for alcohol and $3.1 billion for 71.3 million books.
– Nearly 50% of students begin their college education at two-year public institutions. Community college students take an average of six years to complete a two-year degree. More than a quarter of them transfer to a four-year institution and close to 70% of the students who transfer graduate.
– About 65% of college students enroll immediately upon completion of high school. Some 60% of all undergraduates attend more than one institution.
– About half of the freshman class drops out each year. Students quit mainly to pursue full-time employment or because of low grades. Family obligations and financial problems are the next biggest reasons why students leave college. Women reportedly are more likely than men to quit.
– More than 40% of all undergraduates are 24 years of age or older. About 40% of undergraduates attend college part-time and 40% travel across state lines to complete a degree.
– Nearly 90% of undergraduates work while enrolled in college. Some 50% work to help pay for their education. About 27% of full-time undergraduates put in 21 to 34 work hours per week.
– Three-quarters of college students report doing volunteer work within the last year. About 58% of volunteers say they’re likely to do more volunteering in the future.
– Students graduating with bachelor’s degrees statistically earn $1.6 million during their lifetime; master’s degree recipients earn $1.9 million. The amount rises to $2.8 million for doctoral degrees and $3.7 million for professional degrees such as law or medicine.
Sources: American Association for Higher Education, Washington; Educational Resources Information Center, Los Angeles; National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Washington
Network
