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Dissertation
Technical college choice: an action research, mixed methods study of influences on the enrollment decisions of students admitted to a technical college
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2014
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6017
Abstract
Many colleges and universities struggle with enrollment management challenges, which in turn create escalating financial pressures. One important aspect of this multifaceted problem that is worthy of closer inspection involves learning how students' college choice factors impact enrollment. Though prior research on this issue is readily available, none consider the matter from the perspective of a technical college; an often overlooked sector of the higher education community. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between admitted students' reported perceptions of institutional characteristics and the subsequent enrollment decisions of these matriculating students at a technical college. The central research question in this study asked the following: What actions will motivate a greater proportion of admitted students to enroll at a technical college? Employing a post-positivist approach, the study's conceptual framework placed students' perceptions of institutional characteristics in the context of the college choice process. A mixed research methodology was utilized to collect and analyze data on influential college choice factors for students admitted to a mid-sized technical college in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The quantitative research method involved analysis of pre-existing survey data, previously collected by the technical college via the Admitted Student Questionnaire®. Two qualitative research methods were necessary to capture in-depth, follow-up information from sample drawn from two (2) sub-populations who participated in the survey: telephone interviews with non-enrolling students and a focus group discussion with students who enrolled. The findings revealed that five (5) out of six (6) general, college choice factor categories (Academic, Cost, Location of Campus, Service Expectations, and Student Life) undoubtedly contained one or more key aspects influential to college choice decisions. Athletics was the only category with questionable evidence of enrollment impact. Ultimately, the study concluded that eight (8) actions were judicious to address the problem. Prominent among the recommended actions were academic items regarding a robust and diverse academic program portfolio, showcasing academic facilities, and building upon a solid academic reputation. Other important, recommended actions involved reducing cost for students, providing a learned and supportive faculty, continuing campus beautification efforts, optimizing on-campus housing, and expanding extracurricular activities.
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Details
- Title
- Technical college choice
- Creators
- Brian L. Cygan - DU
- Contributors
- John M. Gould (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6017; 991014632330204721