Making the Case

Home > Making the Case > Student Success > Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes   Fact 1 · Fact 2

Higher Graduation Rates   Learning Outcomes   Preparation for Life

Students attending independent colleges and universities are more likely to report that their education consists of educationally purposeful activities that contribute to greater intellectual skills, practical competencies, and other desired learning outcomes.

Fact 1 - Higher-Level Learning
Students attending private colleges and universities are more likely than students at public institutions to report engaging in higher-level learning activities, such as integrating ideas and making critical judgments. For example, four out of five seniors (81 percent) at nondoctoral private colleges and universities ranked in the top two thirds on a measure of “deep learning,” versus two in three of their peers attending public institutions (69 percent at nondoctoral and 65 percent at doctoral).

Click here for chart

back to top

Fact 2 - Gains in Intellectual Skills
Students reporting the greatest gains in intellectual skills attend private colleges and universities. Among seniors reporting the highest gains (those in the top quartile), one in three (31 percent) attended nondoctoral private colleges and universities, versus one in five (19 percent) of their peers who attended public doctoral institutions.

Click here for chart

back to top

Related Materials

These materials reference the themes and topics addressed in the above facts and data, serving as a helpful resource on how presidents and others are making the case for independent higher education.

Copyright ©1997-2008 Council of Independent Colleges. All rights reserved.