College Choice Decisions: An Analysis of University Honors Students

The purpose of this research was to analyze the importance of various institutional attributes in the college-choice process of honors students. The study surveyed honors students (N = 279) currently enrolled in an honors college at one university. Students rated 51 items on the degree of importance in their college decision. An exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the underlying factors in the college-choice process. The results indicated that cost was the most important issue students considered when determining an institution to attend. Cost of attendance and financial assistance offered were followed by quality of course instruction, safety on campus, and the opportunity to meet friends. When examining the exploratory factor analysis, six factors emerged, namely social, academic, career aspects, honors, inclusion, and external influences. Differences in responses by gender were also analyzed. There were significant differences between males and females on academics, social life, honors, and inclusion