College Choice: Perceptions of First-year Students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University

Abstract

Colleges of agriculture across the nation struggle annually to meet the demand for qualified graduates to fill jobs in the agricultural, food, and environmental industries (Rocca, 2013). Even with increasing enrollment in some disciplines, colleges of agriculture and natural resources are only expected to produce 61% of the graduates needed to fill the expected 57,900 annual job openings between 2015 and 2020 (Goecker et al., 2015). This creates a need for colleges to improve recruitment efforts and utilize financial resources more efficiently. The purpose of this study was to identify recruitment efforts and factors influencing the college-choice process for first-year students enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Oklahoma State University (OSU). The study used a survey research method to describe student characteristics and external influences affecting first-year students in the CASNR AG 1011 � Freshmen Orientation course (N = 531). Nearly 95% of survey participants agreed recruitment materials were satisfactory in providing the information needed to make a college decision. Respondents indicated campus visits were the most useful source of information. Academic reputation of the university and preparation for employment were the two most influential institutional characteristics, while career opportunities available for graduates was the most influential degree program characteristic. Parents or guardians were the most impactful individuals in the college choice process. The largest percentage of respondents began the college choice process during 11th grade, finalized their OSU selection during the first semester of 12th grade, and finalized their major selection during the first semester of 12th grade. Respondents most frequently specified their primary reason for enrolling in OSU CASNR was to prepare for vet school or the animal science program or the college�s academic reputation. Overall, results from this study suggest current recruitment efforts are effective.