HEDS Senior Survey, spring 2008

Gettysburg College administered the Higher Education Data Sharing Consortium (HEDS) Senior Survey to the entire population of 645 Gettysburg graduating seniors in spring 2008. 592 students completed the survey, resulting in a 92% participation rate.

92% reported that overall, they were satisfied with their undergraduate education at the College.

Compared with 6 similar institutions:

• Gettysburg seniors were more frequently engaged in group project assignments, class presentations, and making multimedia presentations during their undergraduate program.
• Gettysburg seniors were more likely to agree that their undergraduate experiences “Moderately” or “Greatly” enhanced their ability to read or speak a foreign language and to understand process of science and experimentation.
• Gettysburg seniors were more likely to be satisfied with student government, social life on campus, sense of community on campus, and student voice in policies, and campus climate for minority students.
• Civic Engagement: Gettysburg seniors were more frequently engaged in organized demonstrations during their undergraduate program.
• 71% of Gettysburg seniors reported having received financial aid, while the average for the comparison group is 65%. Gettysburg seniors were also more likely to be satisfied with financial aid package they received.
• Gettysburg seniors were more likely to be satisfied with student center/union facilities and programs, student housing, food services, and student health services.
• Gettysburg seniors were more likely to report they would probably or definitely choose to attend Gettysburg again if they had the chance to relive their college experience.