The Gallup-Purdue Index recently released findings of its 2016 survey of more than 30,000 college graduates from across the country. Grace College was one of 13 Hoosier institutions to participate. Grace College outperformed the national and state institutions on almost every measure. The complete Grace College scorecard can be viewed here.
Among the most significant findings are:
1. Grace alumni say they received excellent emotional support during their college years.
- The majority (57 percent) of Grace College alumni believed “My professors cared about me as person” compared with just 28 percent nationwide and 36 percent of Hoosier grads.
- Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of Grace grads agreed with the statement “I had at least one professor who made me excited about learning” compared with 64 percent of national and statewide graduates.
2. Grace alumni report high levels of well-being.
- Among the five elements of well-being: purpose, social, financial, community and physical, Grace grads reported “thriving” by an average of 55 percent compared to 45 percent of national respondents and 46 percent of Hoosier respondents.
- 63 percent of Grace alumni said they were thriving in purpose, compared with 54 percent of national and statewide survey respondents.
3. Grace grads have more fulfilling jobs than other college graduates.
- 50 percent of Grace alumni say they are “deeply interested in the work they do” compared to 43 percent of other college grads.
- 37 percent of Grace grads report that they have the “ideal job” compared to 29 percent of all other graduates.
Conducted in January and February of 2016, this Gallup-Purdue survey sought to examine outcomes of college graduates beyond job placement and salaries by evaluating the undergraduate experience, alumni attachment, well-being, and workplace engagement.
Earlier today, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education issued a news release detailing statewide implications of the survey. Commissioner Lubbers also offered comment on the results for Grace College saying, “The Gallup-Indiana survey results show a majority of Grace College alumni have a high opinion of their college experience and feel their higher education at Grace was worth the investment. I commend Grace College for stepping up to be a part of this alumni satisfaction survey, and I’m confident they will use this information to drive even greater satisfaction and success for graduates in the future.”
Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College, was encouraged by the survey results.
“The highly respected Gallup-Purdue Index shows that most Grace alumni are faring very well post-graduation. While we acknowledge that improvements can and should be made in alumni satisfaction and value, the survey confirmed that Grace graduates receive a unique education characterized by real relationships formed. Their college experience prepares them to be well-adjusted adults who make meaningful contributions to society and seek to fulfill God’s calling on their lives,” Katip said.