The NSSE Factor: Choose a University That Values Student Success

If you think of a legendary monster when you hear the word NSSE, you have the spirit but not quite the right idea. Forget about the Scottish creature for a second and let us introduce you to a tool that can help you when looking at the right university or college for you.

First things first: what is NSSE?

In the year 2000, the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research developed the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) with the purpose to measure the extent to which students across institutions in the United States and Canada engage in educational practices that are linked to high levels of learning, development and student success. “NSSE, pronounced like “nessie”, provides educators with an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending college.”

Each year, NSSE collects information at hundreds of colleges and universities throughout North America, focusing on first-year and senior students’ participation in the programs and activities provided by the institution for student learning and development. In 2013, colleges and universities in the United States and Canada began administering a revised version of NSSE, very creatively called NSSE 2.0.

Participation institutions get a variety of reports that compare their students’ responses to those of other institutions. These scores are not disclosed except for the institution participating, and are usually used to identify points of improvement or strengths. However, some institutions choose to disclose these scores to their community and whoever is interested. This information can be used by aspiring college students, parents, counselors, academic advisors and more to learn about how students spend their time at participating institutions and see what they can gain from their experiences. In other words, NSSE helps you measure student success and see if a certain institution meets your expectations.

It’s important to keep in mind that while NSSE does not assign a single score or ranking to institutions, it does provide detailed reports and data that reflect the engagement of each institution’s students in different educational practices. NSSE focuses on providing data that can guide institutional practices to improve student engagement, learning and overall experience, instead of ranking institutions against each other. After all, student engagement in institutions is not a competition, it’s a necessity.

What is Student Engagement?

According to NSSE, student engagement is not a single concept but rather a variety of concepts rooted in research on higher education and its impact on student growth and learning outcomes. Student engagement as presented by NSSE covers the degree to which students are involved in activities proven to be educationally beneficial, as well as their perceptions of the institution’s environment regarding support for their learning and development (Kuh, 2001:2009). In other words, understanding student engagement requires focusing on interactions and experiences that are related to positive educational results. Additionally, student engagement is influenced by factors such as the accountability and support provided by the institution.

Ok, and why should YOU care about Student Engagement?

Student engagement is important and something you should weigh when considering institutions simply because it is linked to academic achievement and personal development. Engaged students are more likely to assimilate information effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and work on connections that make their educational experience the best it can be. This engagement, ranging from participation in classroom discussions to involvement in extracurricular activities, allows deeper learning and understanding of the subjects. And because you know it’s all connected, student engagement plays a crucial role in mental health, as well as the emotional and social aspects of student life. Higher rates of student engagement can help increase graduation rates and a strong sense of community throughout the university. 

So yes, student engagement is definitely something you want to keep in mind when looking at colleges and universities because it will most likely influence your experience and success. That being said, let’s look at some universities that do NSSE right.

Role Models in Student Success.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a great example of an institution that excels in implementing NSSE as a guide to encourage students’ success. WGU measures their success through their students’ success. The university is committed to creating pathways to opportunity, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring that higher education is accessible and effective for everyone who seeks it. In fact, 74% of WGU students identified as having come from one or more underserved populations. This means that WGU helps students graduate with less debt and with the possibility of higher earnings. WGU takes pride in having students throughout all 50 states in the U.S, as well as students in American military bases throughout the world. Unsurprisingly, this means that WGU’s alumni population is vast, with more than 327,743 graduates around the world.

Western Governors knows that high-performing alumni do well in their careers, which is why they focus on preparing students for their lives after college. WGU alumni are prepared for success. According to a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates, 100% of employers stated that WGU grads were prepared for their jobs. Additionally, 98% of employers said that WGU grads met or even exceeded expectations. Such employers include names like American Express, IBM, Facebook and Microsoft.

It comes as no surprise that WGU had an outstanding performance in the 2023 NSSE, which collected responses from more than 350,000 students from 541 institutions throughout the U.S and Canada. According to the results for 2023, 96% of students would go to WGU again, 84% said WGU provides support to help students succeed academically and 78% acquired job or work-related knowledge and skills. 

WGU’s hallmark is its competency-based model.

WGU applies a competency-based education model, which is relatively unique among higher education institutions. This model allows students to progress through their courses by demonstrating mastery of the subject matter, rather than by spending a set amount of time in class. This approach is particularly beneficial for adult learners and working professionals as it enables them to move at their own pace and potentially accelerate their studies based on their existing knowledge and experience.

WGU President, Scott Pulsipher, stated “When we lift an individual, we help lift a community.” Inspired by that philosophy, WGU has personalized enrollment pathways. From the moment you apply to WGU, the university has a team of people whose mission is to make your experience the best it can be and help you succeed. Enrollment counselors are trained to help students go through the admission process so they know they are looked out for. 

University of Arkansas Grantham

Like WGU, University of Arkansas Grantham (UAG) strives to ensure their students’ success. UAG knows that student success starts from day one, which is why every student in UAG is assigned a student advisor that can offer guidance and assistance tailored to each student’s specific needs. Student advisors work hard to help students through the challenges of higher education. Students can benefit from tutoring, supplemental instruction, communication and writing studios and much more. 

UAG offers free laptops!

Student success is heavily influenced by equality, which in turn means that equality is a big focus at UAG. Considering the importance of good technology and equipment, especially when studying online, University of Arkansas Grantham offers free new laptops to students once they enroll in a degree program. In their own words, free laptops is “just one more way we’re more dedicated to your success.” (Careful, when accepting a laptop from any institution be sure to inform yourself on all pros and cons, to make sure you don’t suffer a horror story)

On top of access to quality technology and materials, UAG understands that not everyone has the same time availability and fixed class schedules might not be possible for everyone, which is why they do their best to help students succeed regardless of their current context. UA Grantham offers a variety of online degree programs that provide the same level of course material and educational possibility as a traditional university or college, plus the benefit of flexibility of no set class or login times. This means that UAG allows its students to work as its most beneficial for them, encouraging better mental health, less stress, and the possibility of working while studying. By students being able to study and engage in their learning on their own time, UAG makes sure that when students decide to engage in classes, they are able to do it with focus and their own rhythm.

Additionally, UAG states that student success comes from a variety of factors, such as convenience, affordability, transfer credits and support services (we agree). The 100% online format provides a flexibility appreciated by the busiest of students. Combined with the affordability, UAG opens doors and opportunity to many students. UA Grantham has one of the lowest tuitions in the U.S, and it is even lower for military service members and veterans through their Heroes Program. This approach helps alleviate financial concerns, allowing students to focus more on their studies.

Now, besides what makes UAG unique compared to so many, they also offer scholarships, grants and corporate programs that allow students to go to school without the need of exploring outside funding. UAG students have several options to help cover the cost of higher education, which make it more viable for students to manage the cost of their education.

From the moment students decide to even apply to University of Arkansas Grantham, students can count on a dedicated team of support, including career services for graduates to enhance their career management knowledge and skills. According to the UAG webpage, students that take advantage of the Career Services rate them very high, with a satisfaction score of 94% in 2020. In 2022, the University of Arkansas Grantham scored higher than average on the NSSE category for Supportive Environments, as well as effective teaching practices for seniors. These results reflect the university’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to student success.

Excelsior University

Excelsior College, now Excelsior University, is a private, non-profit institution based in Albany, New York. This institution’s history with student success dates back to 1971, when it was founded as the Regents External Degree Program by the New York State Board of Regents with the mission of providing educational opportunities to adult learners and other non-traditional students. In 1998, Excelsior was renamed as Excelsior College and since then it has been dedicated to removing obstacles for non-traditional learners by offering a range of degrees and focusing on flexibility. After its name change to Excelsior University in 2021, the university continues its mission to provide accessible and successful education, promoting flexibility, lifelong learning and professional development.

Like UAG, Excelsior recognizes the importance of flexibility, offering online courses, credit by exam options, and acceptance of transfer credits from other institutions. EU strongly values experiential learning, believing that you learn as you do. Because of that philosophy, EU allows students to earn academic credit for professional and military training. Flexibility in achievements and program requirements allows students to manage their learning as they find most useful. To ensure that students are always connected to a successful support network, EU highlights the importance of academic advising.

In fact, EU students are assigned an academic advisor that will support them from admittance through degree completion. Advisors help students in a variety of ways, from choosing the degree program that’s right for them, understanding steps to degree completion, addressing academic concerns and much more in order to achieve success by helping students with identifying short and long-term goals, learning and applying time management and study skills, working on motivation and balance in responsibilities. 

Studies have shown that as students engage in support services, their success and persistence is greatly benefited.

Excelsior University applies an original concept

A relevant concept in Excelsior is “Career Readiness,” and they truly focus on applying it to their students’ lives. The university understands career readiness as a journey and break down the path into four different phases. From phase 1: discover, to phase 4: achieve and accomplish, EU makes sure to take students by the hand and support them every step of the way.

They offer a variety of resources for each phase, further educating students in what is available and what is useful. Resources heavily focus on personality tests, skills, deciding on majors, understanding the chosen industry, networking and preparing, and reaching goals and accepting offers. As if that wasn’t enough, EU offers services through ComPsych at no cost to enrolled students and their family members. Mental health is health, and Excelsior understands its importance in engagement and success.

Additionally, Excelsior uses NSSE for more information on what they do right and what they can improve. Focusing on transparency shows Excelsior’s willingness to improve, their interest in their students wellbeing and success by engaging in good educational practices to better achieve their personal development during and after their education.

Excelsior’s integration of mental health support within the educational framework is particularly valuable and somewhat unique among higher education institutions.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is part of the Colorado State iUniversity system, meaning that students get career-relevant education by experts in today’s fields. The difference? It’s online, so no boundaries and no set class time. CSU Global is another NSSE champion. In fact, they do so well that they have an entire page dedicated to their NSSE results through the years, from 2001. Their dedication to student success is clear when they are so transparent about what they do right and what they can improve. Actually, CSU even compiles a summary of their NSSE results for faculty, students, family and aspiring students to see. This is a fantastic move by CSU Global that allows students to verify what type of institution CSU Global is and if it is a right fit for them.

For the October 2020 NSSE Pulse Survey, CSU reported that their students were 5 times more likely to rate their interactions with faculty as good or excellent compared to the reference group, and almost 3 in every 4 CSU respondents rated their entire experience at the University as good or excellent. CSU also did better than the reference group in support for student well-being, quality interactions with academic advisors, feeling valued by their institution, and feeling part of the community. 

In order to continue supporting their students and elevating their success, CSU Global offers a variety of resources that students can benefit from and thrive in their journeys. CSU Global students and alumni can access free career coaching through the CSU Global Career Center, Global Connect or through email. Additionally, and similar to Excelsior, CSU Global students are assigned a Student Success Counselor who acts as their single point of communication in different areas, helping them through every step from enrollment to graduation. Student Success Counselors also help students with degree planning and goal setting. Notice how goal setting is repeated throughout universities. CSU recognizes that goal setting inspires students’ motivation, manages stress and enforces accountability.

CSU Global has more up its sleeve. Student resources include tutoring on specific subjects, a writing center for feedback on academic writings, career navigation services and tech support. Rebekah Shaw, one of CSU’s Student Success Counselors, states “We know that our students have lives beyond school, and we try to connect and offer solutions that take into account their unique situations to offer a truly supportive learning environment.”

Colorado State University stands out with its unique tuition rate lock policy

Beyond academic support, CSU Global aims for transparency and affordability. This means that they guarantee the tuition rate is locked for students from day one. Students will pay the same enrollment through graduation, and they can benefit from no hidden fees or costs.

Colorado State University Global states “online doesn’t mean alone,” and they deliver from that mentality. With on-demand support, career coaching, expert faculty and the much appreciated student success counselors, CSU Global works hard for students to be successful in every area of their lives. Besides NSSE scores, CSU Global has been ranked as #1 Best online bachelor’s for veterans in the State, #9 for best online bachelor’s for vets in the U.S, and #16 best online bachelors in the country by Best Online Programs by U.S News & World Report.

Would you consider attending a university that focuses heavily on NSSE results? Why or why not? Share in the comments!