Wagner seniors are expected to thrive in their work and personal lives.

Wagner seniors are expected to thrive in their work and personal lives.

“For years, the value of a college degree has been determined not by the most important outcomes of a college education, but by the easiest outcomes to measure, namely, job and graduate school placement rates and alumni salaries . . . . These outcomes do not reflect the missions of higher education institutions, and they do not reflect the myriad reasons why students go to college. Responding to the call for increased accountability among higher education institutions, Gallup and Purdue University focused their research efforts on outcomes that provide insight into the common and essential aspirations for college graduates, no matter what type of institution they attend.”(Gallup-Purdue Index Report, p. 3)

Wagner seniors completed a survey prior to graduation in Spring 2014. Selected responses that can be compared with the questions asked in the Gallup-Purdue Index are presented below. The Gallup-Purdue Index asked college graduates about their college experiences and their long-term job and life satisfaction and success. College graduates who had supportive relationships with faculty members, and intensive and long-term experiential learning experiences (think Senior Learning Communities) were far more likely to report success later in life than those who had not.

Percentages of Wagner Senior Student Agreement:

  • 92% The professors were genuinely interested in students.
  • 84% They developed a close, personal relationship with at least one faculty member.
  • 56% Their experience in an internship (paid or unpaid) contributed to their learning and personal development.
  • 50% Community service contributed to their learning and personal development.

Click here for more information about Wagner senior responses and the Gallup-Purdue Index.