In a series of studies over the last few years, Ruffalo Noel Levitz has documented the link between student satisfaction and several key institutional metrics:
- Retention: Student satisfaction is linked with HIGHER retention based on a 2009 study by Dr. Laurie Schreiner. Student satisfaction accounts for 17 percent of the variation in retention at four-year institutions. A 2015 study by Dr. Karen Miller also revealed a strong correlation between student satisfaction and retention at two-year community colleges.
- Graduation Rates: A 2014 Ruffalo Noel Levitz study reported that overall institutional student satisfaction rates were tied to HIGHER institutional graduation rates in a linear relationship for four-year private institutions, community colleges, and career and private schools. Four-year public institutions also reflected a link that peaked with medium range graduation rates and then declined slightly with the highest graduation rates.
- Alumni Giving: Four-year public and private institutional student satisfaction levels were HIGHER for institutions with greater alumni giving rates, based on a 2015 Ruffalo Noel Levitz study. Satisfaction with campus involvement and individual relationships had the strongest correlation with greater alumni giving levels.