Survey Shows College Web Sites Emphasize Online Admissions

IOWA CITY, Iowa

While the majority of colleges and universities provide admissions applications along with detailed admission and cost information on their Web sites, far fewer provide online financial aid and scholarship forms, specific information for parents, or online orientation programs, according to the 2002 National Enrollment Management Survey report, published by Noel-Levitz, a leading higher education consulting firm.

Of the 474 institutions surveyed, only 50 percent of four-year institutions and 31 percent and 37 percent of four-year private and two-year public institutions respectively provide students with online access to financial aid applications. Even fewer provide online access to scholarship applications. The survey also found that only 18 percent of four-year public schools provide informative content specifically for parents. Twenty-seven percent of these institutions provide online housing applications and 21 percent offer online orientation programs for new students.

"It's clear from this latest survey that the majority of respondents have made great strides in making basic pieces of information and processes available through their Web sites — predominantly with regard to applying for admission," says Scott Bodfish, associate vice president at Noel-Levitz. "Beyond that, most appear to provide students and parents with little additional, specific online content and information."

Noel-Levitz has conducted the National Enrollment Management Survey of colleges and universities since 1991. It is the most comprehensive survey of enrollment management practices across the United States. The findings cover student recruitment, retention, financial aid and much more. To view the executive summary, visit <www.noellevitz.com/library/research/nems/index.asp>. Copies of the report also may be requested by e-mailing info@noellevitz.com.