Making Comparisons

In 2011, Northland participated in a nationwide research project that measured an extensive range of college experiences and then linked those experiences to the careers and lives of alumni from various types of colleges and universities. Drawn from more than 15,000 graduates from institutions across the country, this evidence provides valuable information as you consider a college.

Our research covered three primary topics:

• Academic experiences and interaction with faculty
• Types of experiences inside and outside the classroom
• Activities and attitudes of alumni after they graduate

In regard to their experience inside and outside the classroom, Northland graduates were much more likely to report that they:

• Found a mentor or role model in college
• Met a professor who was a mentor or role model
• Agreed faculty were interested in students personally as well as academically
• Agreed there was a sense of community among students

In regard to their experience inside and outside the classroom, Northland graduates were much more likely to report that they participated in:

• Faculty-directed research or other applied learning
• Off-campus study
• Classes that included perspectives of women and minorities
• Informal student study groups
• Music or theatre performances
• Campus publications or student government
• Volunteer or community service activities

What matters in college...after college.

As you can see in the charts above, Northland students learn differently. They have a stronger, more engaged, college experience. But, do those great college experiences really make a difference in their careers and in who they are beyond their careers?

From the same nationwide research, and in comparison to the graduates at large public universities, Northland alumni stand out in some important ways!

In their careers, Northland graduates are:

• Far more likely to describe their careers as "making a difference in the lives of others"
• More likely to credit their college experience for their ability to:
  • Think creatively
  • Work as part of a team
  • Be a leader
• More likely to say it's important to:
  • Have the opportunity to learn new information and skills
  • To provide direction for others in a leadership role
• More than half say their careers "relate to environmental and sustainability principles"

In their values and attitudes, Northland graduates are more likely to credit their college experience for helping them:

• Develop a sense of purpose in life
• Relate to people of different backgrounds
• Develop political and social awareness
• Appreciate the fine arts
• Develop moral principles that guide their actions
• Place problems in social and historical perspective

In their lives beyond their careers, Northland graduates are far more likely to say it's important to contribute to their communities and when asked about their level of community involvement in the past five years, they were:

• More likely to have a leadership role in foundations and not-for-profit organizations
• More likely to be on governmental committees or boards
• More likely to play a leadership role in local school systems
• More likely to be involved in a wide range of community service activities