Factors associated with enrollment choice of freshman students entering programs of agriculture at Texas A & M University as compared to freshmen students entering programs of agriculture at public community colleges in Texas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with enrollment choice of freshmen students studying agriculture at Texas A&M University as compared to freshmen students studying agriculture at public community colleges in Texas. A mailed questionnaire was designed to answer six research objectives. Approximately 500 freshmen enrolled in programs of agriculture at Texas A&M and 500 students enrolled in programs of agriculture at community colleges in Texas were identified. A census population was used, and the results are based on 404 questionnaires collected from Texas A&M students in November 1992, and 491 surveys collected from November through December of 1992 from the community colleges. Community college students are generally male, ages 16-29, from smaller class sizes, with lower high school grade point averages than students enrolled at Texas A&M. Texas A&M students received more scholarships, and awards of greater amounts than community college students. Regarding selection of a post-secondary institution. Texas A&M students were more influenced by undergraduate reputation and student services available, while community college students perceived cost and location as greater influences. Females were more influenced by the undergraduate reputation, students services, eliteness and cost of the institution, while males considered location and sports as most influential. Larger scholarship awards increased the importance of the undergraduate reputation, student services, eliteness and cost. Smaller scholarships award amounts increased the importance of location of the institution. Participation in agricultural science courses in high school and FFA increased the importance of cost and location when selecting a post-secondary institution. Regarding selection of a particular institution and curriculum in which to enroll, high school instructors, peers, individualized recruitment methods, and family were more influential to students from smaller towns. Students with lower high school averages tended to be more influenced by instructors and relatives...