1. Student Demographics and Success Trends
July 23, 2019
Joint Board of Trustees and Leadership Council Meeting
Student Demographics and Success Trends
Sue Carter
Interim Senior System Director for Research
Academic and Student Affairs

2. Students at Minnesota State
Who are our students?
What trends do we see in student outcomes and educational equity gaps?
The presentation consists of two primary sets of information: 1) a snapshot view of the students we serve along with a look at trends that we are seeing in enrollment and student outcomes; and 2) a brief look at major population and labor market trends in the state.
The intent is to provide information that can spark discussion of what these trends mean for your own campuses and the system and to think about what the strategic implications of these trends are for planning.

3. Our students are increasingly demographically diverse
Credit Students
2009
(259,281)
2018
(244,825)
American Indian or students of color
18%
27%
25 or older
37%
33%
18 or younger
19%
26%
Female
55%
56%
Pell Eligible
25%
31%
First Generation MN
(neither parent has any college)
First Generation Federal
(neither parent has a Bachelor’s Degree)
54%
51%
Underrepresented (a student of color or American Indian student, first generation or Pell elig.)
44%
49%
Veterans
8,000
9,200
Our students are more diverse than ever, and diverse in many ways. Of particular note is the increase in the percent of our students who are American Indian or students of color, as compared to 10 years ago as well as the increase in the percent who are 18 and younger which reflects the increases in PSEO and concurrent enrollment.
Also of note is that we are seeing decreases in total enrollment–both in terms of headcount and FYE (Full Year Equivalent)
Source: System Office Research – Academic and Student Affairs

4. Our students are also academically diverse
Credit Students in FY 2018: 244,825
High school students, high school graduates, graduate students, adult learners, workers and professionals
1/3 of Minnesota State students are traditional first time undergraduates
60% of college and 38% of university students enroll part-time
9% enroll at more than one college or university during the same year
50% take at least one online course and 17% are enrolled exclusively online
38% of college and 17% of university entering undergraduate students take developmental courses
Our students pursue their education at the colleges and universities in a variety of ways, ranging from high school students to graduate students and adult learners.
Students enrolling as a first-time undergraduate student, represent a minority of our students (33%). This is the predominant student population at many other colleges and universities in Minnesota.
Another 33% enrolled in our colleges and universities as transfer students.
Sixteen percent of our students are still in high school and are taking advantage of the PSEO program to earn college credits.
Four percent of our students are enrolled at our universities at the graduate level.
Finally 12% of our students come to us to take credit courses but aren’t seeking a certificate or degree.
Many enroll on a part-time basis in order to balance employment and/or family responsibilities.
Many of the students who come to our “open door” community and technical colleges are not prepared for college courses and need to complete developmental courses first The percent of students taking developmental coursework, however, has decreased significantly as curriculum has been redesigned and as students enter better prepared.
FY 2018 vs. FY 2014
H.S. Students
1st Time New Entering
Dev. Courses
Online

5. Persistence at our colleges: Gaps have narrowed, but are not yet closed
Persistence to the Second Fall
9.2%
Gaps: 8.9%
8.9%
7.0%
7.6%
The next few slides examine trends in second fall retention rates and in completion rates for system colleges and for system universities. The graphs show while the rates have fluctuated, we continue to see gaps between white students and students of color and American Indian Students.
Second fall persistence and completion rate of fall entering undergraduate full-time degree seeking students (retention, graduation or transfer)
Source: System Office Research – Academic and Student Affairs

6. Completion at our colleges: While completion rates have increased, significant gaps remain
Completion by Third Spring
Gap: 15.3%
14.4%
14.9%
14.87%
14.0%
Completion rate of fall entering undergraduate full-time degree seeking students at third spring (graduation and transfer
Source: System Office Research – Academic and Student Affairs

7. Persistence at our universities: Rates have fluctuated, and gaps are not yet closed
Persistence to the Second Fall
8.6%
7.0%
Gap: 6.7
5.7
6.3%
Second fall persistence and completion rate of fall entering undergraduate full-time degree seeking students (retention, graduation or transfer)
Source: System Office Research – Academic and Student Affairs

8. Completion at our universities: Gaps have fluctuated, but are wider than 5 years ago
Completion by Sixth Spring
Gap: 11.4%
10.2%
12.54%
13.9%
13.2%
Completion rate of fall entering undergraduate full-time degree seeking students at sixth spring (graduation)
Source: System Office Research – Academic and Student Affairs