Student data should transform college

Key takeaways 

• 98% of students expect use of their data to help toward academic and career goals  
• Students want to give data, but expect something in return 
• Student data can offer a big boost for engagement across campus

Eighty-two percent of students believe that better use of student information will truly transform the college experience within ten years. Higher education institutions that share this expectation and seize the moment will remain competitive, while deepening student engagement and success along the way. 

From application to graduation, U.S. students give colleges an incredible amount of their personal data, and they both want and expect schools to use that data in a way that optimizes their college experience and career. 

In understanding ways students can maximize success and mobility throughout their academic journey, this study highlights the need for schools to leverage student information to provide a streamlined approach from application to graduation and beyond by enhancing academic services, financial processes, student life, and career processes. 

For this study, students weighed in on: 

• Processes for academic advising, degree planning, graduation tracking, and financial aid 
• Career preparation process, including support for internships, building a professional network, landing external job interviews, and alumni support 
• Student life, including awareness of student organizations, campus events, and even offers from local retailers and restaurants 

The ever-increasing growth in data access, analytics, sharing, and technology is dizzying. Yet for higher education, it carries the hope of continually improving the student experience.