College satisfaction of Iowa State University national merit scholars

This study compared the college satisfaction levels of Iowa State University national merit scholars with students in a national 4-year public institution comparison group. This same comparison was made between Iowa State national merit engineering students and Iowa State non-national merit engineering students. Satisfaction levels were obtained through the Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI), which addressed twelve scales or aspects of campus life. This study examined nine of the twelve scales, which included: academic advising effectiveness, campus climate, concern for the individual, instructional effectiveness, recruitment and financial aid effectiveness, service excellence, student centeredness, campus support services, and campus life. The SSI allowed students to score all items based on satisfaction level and importance level. Resulting data concerning satisfaction and importance scores are examined as well as data provided on the disparity level (importance rating minus satisfaction rating) for each scale. The disparity level gave insight as to whether students\u27 expectations at Iowa State University had been met. Iowa State national merit scholars were found to be significantly more satisfied than the students in the national comparison group in eight areas with the highest level of significant difference occurring in academic advising effectiveness, campus life, and recruitment and financial aid. National merit engineering students were significantly more satisfied than the Iowa State non-national merit engineering students in six areas with the highest level of significant difference occurring in academic advising effectiveness, instructional effectiveness, and recruitment and financial aid. To conclude, national merit students at Iowa State University were satisfied with college life but their expectations had not been exceeded in any of the nine areas examined, leaving room for improvement. Iowa State national merit scholars found different aspects of campus to be important when compared with students included in the national comparison group. National merit engineering students and non-national merit engineering students at Iowa State were much more similar in what they determined to be important. The disparity level of each scale and the questions in that scale led to a discussion of implications. The implications for this study can be applied to all students at Iowa State University