The Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) Senior Survey asks graduating seniors to rate their college experience. Below are some highlights from the 2019 Gettysburg survey (administrated from mid-April to early May; participation rate was 96%.)
86% of Gettysburg seniors reported that overall, they were satisfied with their undergraduate education at this institution (similar to the Peer Group). Consistent with previous years, survey results indicate Gettysburg’s many distinctive strengths in comparison with the Peer Group. Specifically, on about 40 items, Gettysburg results are more positive.
Learning outcomes
Percentage of Gettysburg seniors reporting that their college experience has “substantially” contributed to their knowledge, skills, and personal development in…
Interactions with diversity
Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported more frequent interactions with diversity. Below is the percentage of seniors reporting having frequently...
Academic experiences
Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors were more likely to report that they were satisfied with:
Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported having more frequently undertaken the following activities in their classes…
High-impact and enriching extracurricular experiences
Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported more frequent participation in many high-impact or enriching extra-curricular activities: study abroad, independent study, student or campus government, service organizations, community service, student publications, political organizations or clubs, multicultural student groups, intramural or club sports, and off-campus employment.
When asked about the impact of participation in high-impact or enriching extra-curricular activities, Gettysburg seniors also reported more gains (in terms of learning and personal development) from the following:
Satisfaction
Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported a higher level of satisfaction in the following areas (% reporting “Generally satisfied” or “Very satisfied”)...
Preparation for post-undergraduate life
Survey Question: “Overall, to what extent have your experiences at this institution prepared you for the following?” Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported higher institutional impact in terms of preparing them for responsibilities of post-undergraduate life (e.g., managing finances, maintaining health, creating a home):
Top considerations for the first job after graduation
Gettysburg seniors were asked to choose up to 3 most important qualities of their first job after graduation...
Sources of mentorship
Survey question: “Who became your mentor(s) during your years at Gettysburg College?” (A mentor is defined as: a coach, guide, tutor, facilitator, counselor and trusted advisor who is willing to spend his or her time and expertise to guide your development during college.) (Mark all that apply)
Challenges and opportunities
Survey results also suggest a few challenges/growth opportunities. Compared with seniors in the Peer Group, Gettysburg seniors reported having less frequently participated in performing arts/music. Below is the precentage of seniors reporting having participated in:
Note: The 2019 Peer Group includes eight private liberal arts colleges. Three of them were ranked among the Top 25 national liberal arts colleges (based on the 2019 U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings); two, between 26th and 50th; and three, between 65th and 90th.