Information Used When Considering Attending UNI: Differences Between Prospective Students and Their Parents

For many college-bound students, choosing the best school is often a family decision. While there are many aspects that are taken into consideration when deciding which college is the best option for the student, some seem to be weighted more than others. The current study compared which factors were influential regarding a decision to attend UNI between potential students and their accompanying guests. Specifically, 41 potential incoming freshmen, 1 potential transfer student, 15 potential family members of a student, and five “other” participants filled out a survey ranking items in order of importance for what was influential in their (child’s) decision to attend UNI. Potential incoming freshmen viewed the availability of financial aid as most influential regarding the decision to attend the university. In contrast, family members of potential incoming freshmen viewed having information about available majors at UNI as most influential. Additional factors were also explored