The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence African American college students' decisions to attend an HBCU or a PWI 4-year institution. Differences among African Americans in factors influencing the college choice process were examined by gender and parents' level of education. The study was designed to gain a better…

Survey of state residents concerning the image of a regional university found either a general, positive opinion or none at all. Statistical modeling of results points to the significant components of university image and how they influence parents' decision to send a child to that institution, which in turn leads to better understanding of the…

Potsdam College's development and implementation of a survey concerning the institution's public image to enhance enrollment planning and recruitment efforts is outlined. Results of the survey are analyzed in terms of the project's overall planning objective. (MSE)

Research suggests that students make their college choice based on their perceptions of the institution's image. Smart, aggressive, well-administered institutions see their image as their most significant asset and manage it carefully by prioritizing audiences, conducting market research, establishing clear goals, planning, and implementing the…

Two representatives of popular magazines that publish controversial rankings of colleges and universities respond to criticism of the rankings. Issues addressed include the need for third-party comparisons, the importance of institutional reputation, cooperation with the higher education community, changing methodology, data integrity, reader…

A representative sample of 987 entering freshmen (45 percent male and 55 percent female) at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), were surveyed regarding their attitudes and demographic characteristics during two-day summer orientation sessions. The typical UMCP freshman was from an upper-middle class home, earned at least a B average…

The reasons why academically qualified prospective students offered admission to Shippensburg State College for the fall semester 1978-79 did not matriculate were studied. Study goals were to determine factors that may have influenced their decision, identify the colleges and universities chosen by the students and the reasons for their choice,…

The inquiry pool represented by prospective college applicants who seek information from the institution and a marketing response that has been implemented at Boston College are considered. It is suggested that researchers may trace specific individuals from the inquiry stage through application to the final college choice. To benefit from an…

It is argued that research testing the reliability and validity of college and university reputational studies should be conducted, a concern not raised by consumers and publishers. Two studies of "America's Best Colleges," published by "U.S. News and World Report," raise questions about the guide's validity and suggest that…

The contribution of high school guidance counselors during the information and inquiry stages of students' selection of a college was assessed. A statewide population survey of all high school counselors in New York yielded 660 usable responses (20 percent). Attention is focused on quality estimations of four criteria for 15 institutions. Quality…

Debate grows over the validity and reliability of college and university rankings, which judge rather than describe institutions, as the public's willingness to accept them increases. While many institutional characteristics can be measured, measurement methods need improvement. One solution is to publish the peer studies that the institutions…

A study investigated the relative importance of certain college attributes to the freshmen of Ashland University, a small, private univeristy in Ohio. Five institutional characteristics were examined: availability and variety of financial aid, dorm life (living conditions and food quality), quality of education (quality of teaching, career…

An in-house market analysis was used to determine which resources in a small, private, liberal arts college influence prospective students to matriculate there. The purpose was to evaluate and improve the use of recruitment resources. The responses of inquirers, applicants (matriculating and nonmatriculating) and matriculators were compared on…

This report summarizes results of a survey of students in the recently-initiated part-time evening program of Nova Southeastern University (Florida) law school. Respondents included all 54 evening program students enrolled in spring 1997. Results indicate that about half the students hold a job that is either highly or moderately related to their…

The use of an expectancy-value model, common to consumer marketing studies, in analyzing the market position of Cleveland State University was investigated. Attention was focused on showing how consumer attitude concepts and methodologies can be used in developing a strategic marketing plan. Six populations were identified as groups important to…