THE 1992 COLLEGE CHOICE SURVEY

University of California, Santa Cruz

The entire report in Acrobat PDF format.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study was undertaken to provide information about the effect of the fee increase on students admitted to the University of California, Santa Cruz. The study also provided information on other, non-financial, reasons why students selected the college they now attend. In August 1992, a survey was sent to the parents of students who were admitted to, but did not enroll at, UC Santa Cruz. Over half of the one thousand surveys were returned and the people who returned the survey appeared to be representative of all admitted, non-enrolling students. Findings from the survey include:

• Ninety-eight percent of the students who were accepted to UC Santa Cruz, but did not enroll, attended other colleges. Over half of these students attended other UC campuses (59%); 6% attended California State University campuses; 7% attended California community colleges; 10% attended private schools in California; 13% attended private schools outside California; and 5% attended public schools outside California.
• Sixty percent of the students attended the school of their first choice, and twenty percent attended their second choice. Students from lower income households were less likely to attend one of their top two choices.
• The reason most often cited by students-of-color for attending another college was the cost (20%). Another fifth said the campus was too far away or too isolated. Other reasons cited included lack of specific academic programs or poor academic reputation.
• In comparison to other campus characteristics, total cost and the offer of financial aid were of average importance. Most important were overall reputation, rigorous academic standards, career preparation, and preparation for graduate school.
• College costs were a very important or the most important factor in selecting a college for the majority of families earning less than $60,000 per year.
• The impact of the fee increase was greatest on families with incomes of $60,000 or less. The impact on middle income students was greater in 1992 than in 1991.
• The proportion of enrolling students from families with incomes below $80,000 per year dropped from 1991 to 1992. It is unclear if the cause for this drop was the increase in fees or due to other influences.

This report was developed by Randy Nelson with the assistance of Ophelia Zalamea and Harley Baker. The report will be released in December 1992. Copies may be requested by contacting the Office of Planning and Budget at UC Santa Cruz (408-459-4341).