Selected correlates for college choice for Church of Christ college and university students

This study, based on nine college choice factors, examined why some students who are members of the Church of Christ attended a college or university affiliated with the Church of Christ (CUACC) while others did not. Demographic differences relating to the college choice factors were investigated. Also, the question was asked: Could the nine college choice factors predict the likelihood of a respondent to attend a CUACC by using a regression model? The assumption was made that differences existed in the perception of college choice factors between the two groups. Factors examined were: academic quality (reputation), desired academic programs, affordability, the importance of attending a CUACC, church involvement, family influence, quality of facilities, reputation of graduates obtaining above average jobs, and the importance of proximity of college to home. Analysis of the data, obtained by surveying a sample of 2005 graduating high school students, revealed significant differences for seven of the nine choice factors (p \u3c .05). The most significant difference the study found was that respondents who chose to attend a CUACC perceived the importance of attending a CUACC. They also perceived CUACCs to have better academic quality, to offer more desired academic programs, and to be more affordable. They tended to be more involved in church activities, were more likely to have immediate family members who had attended a CUACC, and were less concerned about proximity of college to home. The analysis also revealed significant differences pertaining to four demographic variables: gender, geographic church strength, recipient of athletic scholarship and family income levels. A logistic regression model identified five significant predictive factors and correctly predicted 85% of the time, at the 50% probability level, whether a student would attend a CUACC. The study recommended further research to determine the dimensions of the importance of attending a CUACC factor and to identify the most desired missing academic programs. To increase enrollment from the Church of Christ adherence, additional financial aid opportunities are needed