To understand how college graduates perceive the overall value of a postsecondary degree, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education recently released the “2020 Gallup-Indiana Graduate Satisfaction Survey.”
As part of the report, almost 15,000 college graduates from 10 Indiana institutions participated.
Those schools include Ball State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Calumet College of St. Joseph, Grace College, Indiana University Southeast, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Marian University, Purdue University Northwest, Vincennes University and WGU Indiana.
“I hope that [these Indiana colleges] will be encouraged that higher education is valued by Hoosiers,” said Teresa Lubbers, commissioner for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. “I hope they will also have their eyes open for ways that they can increase the value of higher education by their results.”
According to the survey, 86% of graduates reported satisfaction with their education and 81% of alumni found it to be worth the cost. Additionally, 74% of students with loans agreed college was worthwhile.
Indiana ranks first in the Midwest and fourth in the nation for need-based financial aid, according to Lubbers. In the past, cuts in operating funding for institutions did not affect financial aid, which she hopes will continue in the future.
“One of the things that we clearly know is that if you graduate with a higher level of debt, that does impact your satisfaction level,” said Lubbers. “So, we are working very hard in Indiana to make sure that our need-based financial aid programs remain strong.”
