A national survey of 673 colleges and universities has revealed that Harrison College (www.harrison.edu), a private sector college based in Indianapolis with more than 6,000 students studying at 12 campuses and Online, scored well above the national average in key areas of Level of Academic Challenge, Active and Collaborative Learning, Student-Faculty Interaction, and Supportive Campus Environment.

The findings are based on an annual survey by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), which asks first-year college students and seniors to evaluate their college experience on a variety of learning activities.  NSSE randomly surveyed a statistically significant sampling of first-year Online students at Harrison College, and compared the results to other private colleges and universities in the Great Lakes Region, as well as all other colleges and universities who participated in the survey nationally.

First-year students indicated that they were pleased with the supportive campus environment at Harrison College.  Among the results (with comparisons to national data, where available):

• 84% positively rated their relationships with administrative personnel and offices (compared to 62% nationally).
• 78% indicated they received prompt written or oral feedback from faculty (Compared to 60% nationally)
• 95% asked questions/contributed to class discussions (compared to 61% nationally).
• 73% said faculty members were available, helpful and sympathetic.
• 83% felt the institution had a substantial commitment to their academic success.

Harrison College also scored well in terms of academic rigor and quality of education.  Results revealed (with comparisons to national data, where available):

• 78% worked harder than expected to meet an instructor’s expectations (compared to 61% nationally).
• 33% wrote at least one paper or report of 20 pages or more (compared to 17% nationally).
• 89% felt the institution placed substantial emphasis on academics.
• 70% reported that their exams strongly challenged them to do their best work.
• 90% of students reported a favorable image of the institution.
• 75% of seniors would choose Harrison College again if they could start their college career over.

“Harrison College’s goal is to challenge students to maximize their potential, while providing a supportive environment that allows our students to achieve their goal of obtaining a career-focused education,” said Dr. Dennis A. Trinkle, Harrison College provost and chief academic officer.  “The results of this survey clearly indicate that our staff and faculty are on board with that mission, and that our students are pleased that they chose Harrison College.”

Harrison College is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).  In addition, the college is currently a Candidate with The Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA).

ABOUT HARRISON COLLEGE

Harrison College is a contemporary, career-focused institution of Higher Education serving more than 6,000 students throughout the United States and Internationally. Harrison College has 12 campuses in Indiana and Ohio, two culinary schools in Indiana and North Carolina, and also offers courses online at Harrison.edu. The institution grants Associates and Bachelor’s degrees across five schools of study: Business, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, and Veterinary Technology, as well as its culinary division, The Chef’s Academy. Harrison College offers students a variety of learning environments including online, traditional classroom or a combination of both. Harrison College is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is dedicated to excellence in higher learning. In addition, the College is currently a Candidate with The Higher Learning Commission and an affiliate of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA). Harrison College was founded in 1902 as Indiana Business College and has a rich history of preparing students for success in their chosen profession.