UW Student Satisfaction Survey Overwhelmingly Positive

January 3, 2011
Students in front of building

The overwhelming majority of University of Wyoming students are happy with their educational experience and believe they are growing intellectually, according to the latest UW Student Opinion Survey (UWSOS).

The UWSOS, one of three student surveys conducted on a biennial basis since 1994, is composed of questions developed largely by Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. The survey is administered to the entire student sample.

Among the highlights of the latest UWSOS:

-- Ninety-six percent of students are happy with their education at UW.

-- Ninety-three percent of students would recommend the university to a friend or relative.

-- In 2010, 85 percent of students indicated that they are able to experience intellectual growth, compared to 3 percent who expressed dissatisfaction.

-- There has been a considerable increase in satisfaction in the way students are treated as individuals rather than numbers, from 37 percent in 1994 to 53 percent in 2010. Only 12 percent expressed dissatisfaction.

-- Satisfaction with tuition and student fees is higher than the national average.

-- Satisfaction with financial aid services has increased to 73 percent from 60 percent in 1994, a figure significantly higher than the national average.

-- Satisfaction with food services in the residence halls has risen from 37 percent in 2002 to 61 percent in 2010.

-- Ninety-three percent of students expressed satisfaction with recreational or intramural activities and programs.

-- The percentage of students who believe that the general climate for diversity is improving is up to 70 percent this year, from 61 percent in 2006.

Also, UW's averages are significantly higher than the national averages on 67 of 144 items on the ACT Student Opinion Survey and the Noel-Levitz (NL) Student Satisfaction Inventory -- the other two surveys conducted on a biennial basis. UW ranks lower than average on just 12 items.

"The most significant point to take away from this survey is that our students are overwhelmingly pleased with their UW education," says Ollie Walter, chair of the Data Analysis and Special Projects Team of the Enrollment Management Council and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "Personally, I am most pleased that 85 percent of the students indicated that they are able to experience intellectual growth at UW. And, likewise, 81 percent say UW is committed to academic excellence.

"Overall, our students are very satisfied, and on many items, that satisfaction has increased the past decade," he adds. "That's something we can all be proud of."

The ACT was first used by UW in 1994; the NL in 1998. The results of those two surveys provide UW with national samples of public universities.

Find us on Instagram (Link opens a new window)Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)Find us on Twitter (Link opens a new window)Find us on LinkedIn (Link opens a new window)Find us on YouTube (Link opens a new window)