Deciding on Postsecondary Education

Title:	Deciding on Postsecondary Education
Description:	The report examined the data and the information that potential students use and need in making decisions about postsecondary education. Special emphasis was given to underserved students (non-traditional aged, minority, and students of low- and moderate- socioeconomic status) participating in the college search and decision making process. Qualitative data were gathered and analyzed from 11 focus groups with 90 participants in eight states. Secondary data were collected via a review of over 80 sources in the research literature. The literature review indicated that parents, guidance counselors, mainstream media, college brochures, and institutions are primary sources for information about college. For each group of focus group participants, cost, major/program of study, and convenience/location were major determinants in the college search, application, and matriculation processes. Online web-based resources are quickly gaining prominence among current and recent high school graduates who participated in the focus groups. Findings from this research suggest the need for comprehensible information, additional resources, and improved assistance for prospective college students and their families.
Online Availability:	Download, view and print the report as a pdf file. (774KB)
Cover Date:	December 2007
Web Release:	December 11, 2007
Print Release:	This Publication will only be available online.
Publication #:	NPEC 2008850 General Ordering Information
Center/Program:	NPEC
Authors:	Keith MacAllum, Denise M. Glover, Barbara Queen, and Angela Riggs
Type of Product:	Research and Development Report
Survey/Program Areas:	National Postsecondary Education Cooperative (NPEC)
Keywords:	Beginning Students in Postsecondary Education Choice of School Educational Attainment Educational Goals Guidance Counselors Higher Education • access and choice in Minorities • in Higher Education Postsecondary Education Progress in Education • minorities Students • transition to college
Questions:	For questions about the content of this Research and Development Report, please contact the Webmaster.