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Executive Summary: The three most important influences on students' decisions to choose their field of study are personal interest, a job that introduced them to the field, and the potential to earn a high salary. Thirty percent of the students do volunteer work an average of 3 hours a month. Over half of the undergraduates surveyed currently work for pay. Students with a job work an average of thirteen hours per week. The average weekly pay for working students is $82.00. Over one-third of the students who work for pay feel that their job(s) interferes with their academics either somewhat or very often. The average amount of time that students spend outside of class doing school work is fourteen. Nearly thirty percent of the respondents who work for pay said their current job is related to their career interests. Eighty-six percent of the respondents were somewhat or very confident that they would find a job that is related to their major field of study.
On Tuesday, October 22, 1996, Project pulse conducted a survey to investigate students' work habits, their reasons for choosing their current major field of study at UMass, and their perceptions about future job possibilities. Project Pulse interviewers attempted to contact 1,144 randomly selected undergraduates to participate in the survey. The response rate for the survey was 46%. Final dispositions for the survey are presented in Table 1. The average age of the students surveyed is 20, with 49% (n=217) female and 51% (n=222) male. Table 2 summarizes additional characteristics of the students who were surveyed.
|
Table 1: Final Disposition
of Calling List
|
|||
|
|
N
|
% of Total
|
% of Contacted
|
| In & cooperated |
437
|
37.8
|
87.7
|
| Contacted but refused |
61
|
5.2
|
12.2
|
| Not contacted |
450
|
38.9
|
|
| Unobtainable phone no. |
196
|
16.9
|
|
| Ineligible |
12
|
1.0
|
|
| Totals |
1,156
|
100.0
|
100.0
|
|
Table 2: Demographic
Characteristics
|
|
|
|
%
|
| First-year |
29.5
|
| Sophomore |
27.4
|
| Junior |
22.7
|
| Senior |
20.4
|
| Biracial/Multi-racial |
2.3
|
| African-American/Black |
2.6
|
| Asian-American/Pacific Islander |
4.4
|
| Native American/American Indian |
0.7
|
| White/Caucasian |
84.0
|
| Other |
3.0
|
| Northeast/Sylvan |
16.9
|
| Orchard Hill/Central |
23.6
|
| Southwest |
30.2
|
| Off-campus |
29.1
|
| Fraternity/Sorority |
0.2
|
First, students were asked a series of questions about their major field of study here at UMass. Almost three-quarters (71.4%, n=314) of the students surveyed have declared a major and almost one-third (n=101) reported that they have changed their major at least once. Students also were asked to rate the importance of eleven selected influences on their decision to choose their current major. Five of the eleven influences were rated very or somewhat important by at least fifty percent of the respondents (see Table 3).
|
Table 3: Five top influences on students'
decisions to choose their current major. |
||
|
|
N
|
%
|
| Personal interest in the field |
310
|
99.0
|
| Job that introduced you to the field |
159
|
51.1
|
| Description in the UMass catalog or other literature |
157
|
50.8
|
| Parents or Guardians |
154
|
49.5
|
| UMass course, course instructor, or academic advisor |
123
|
39.5
|
The next set of questions focused on students' work habits. When asked, "At present, how many hours per week do you work for pay?" almost fifty percent (46.7%, n=205) reported that they do not currently work for pay, 27% (n=117) work 1-10 hours per week, 20% (n=88) work 11-20 hours per week and 7% (n=29) work over twenty hours per week. For those who work for pay the average amount earned per week is $82.00 and the average number of hours worked per week is thirteen. Over one-third (36.9%, n=75) of those students who do not work for pay reported that they do not work for pay because they have no time. Over one-quarter (26.6%, n=54) said they do not work because they do not need to, and eleven percent (n=23) of the students who do not work for pay said they cannot find a job.
Students who work were asked if they work for pay less, more, or about the right amount than they need to. Over half (53.7%, n=124) of the students who work for pay said they work the right amount (see Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the responses to the question, "how often do you feel as though your working for pay interferes with your academics?"
Next, the students were questioned about the amount of time per week they spend participating in co-curricular activities. First, students were asked about the number of hours they spend per week doing volunteer work. Thirty percent of the students reported doing some type of volunteer activity and spend, on average, 3 hours per week involved in non-credit volunteer work. The average number of hours that students spend per week doing schoolwork outside of class is fourteen. Almost 60% (56.7%, n=246) spend, an average of 4 hours per week in co-curricular activities. The average number of hours students said they spend sleeping per day is 7.5.
All respondents were asked about their future job plans. Over 90% (n=397) of the students surveyed reported that it is somewhat or very important to them to have a job or career that relates to their major field of study. Figure 3 displays the responses to the question, "How confident are you that you will find a job that is related to your major field of study?"
Seniors were asked additional questions about their future employment plans. First, seniors were asked when they will begin searching for a job (see Figure 4). Figure 5 summarizes the responses to the question, "Once you begin your job search, how long do you think it will take you to find a job?"
ITEM-BY-ITEM
Project Pulse October 18, 1996
Work Habits Survey (F96E)
Hello, is this ? My name is . I am calling you tonight for Project
Pulse of the Student Affairs Research Office at UMass. Tonight we are conducting a
telephone survey to investigate students' work habits, their major field of study, and
their career interests. I'd like to ask you some questions which should take between 5
and 7 minutes. I'd like you to know that all of your responses are completely
confidential. Feel free to ask questions at any time.
First I need to know your class year. Are you a:
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
First-year student 1 130 29.5 29.5 29.5
Sophomore 2 121 27.4 27.4 56.9
Junior 3 100 22.7 22.7 79.6
Senior 4 90 20.4 20.4 100.0
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 441 Missing cases 0
Next, I'd like to ask you a few questions about your major field of
study here at UMass.
Have you declared a major?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 1 314 71.2 71.4 71.4
No 2 126 28.6 28.6 100.0
dk/refused 3 1 .2 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 440 Missing cases 1
( IF DECLARED MAJOR)
What is your primary major?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Afro-American Studies 1 1 .2 .3 .3
Art (Studio) 2 5 1.1 1.6 1.9
Art (Design) 3 3 .7 1.0 2.9
Art Education 4 1 .2 .3 3.2
Comparative Literature 9 2 .5 .6 3.9
Dance 10 3 .7 1.0 4.9
English 11 14 3.2 4.5 9.4
French 12 1 .2 .3 9.7
German 13 1 .2 .3 10.0
History 14 4 .9 1.3 11.3
Journalism 17 5 1.1 1.6 12.9
Judaic Studies 18 1 .2 .3 13.3
Music 26 1 .2 .3 13.6
Philosophy 28 4 .9 1.3 14.9
Russian 30 1 .2 .3 15.2
Spanish 32 1 .2 .3 15.5
Theater 33 1 .2 .3 15.9
Biochemistry 36 6 1.4 1.9 17.8
Biology 37 14 3.2 4.5 22.3
Chemistry 38 2 .5 .6 23.0
Computer Science 39 6 1.4 1.9 24.9
Geology 40 1 .2 .3 25.2
Mathematics 42 3 .7 1.0 26.2
Medical Technology 43 1 .2 .3 26.5
Microbiology 44 4 .9 1.3 27.8
Physics 45 1 .2 .3 28.2
Pre-Medical Studies 47 3 .7 1.0 29.1
Science 48 1 .2 .3 29.4
Anthropology 49 3 .7 1.0 30.4
Communication 50 22 5.0 7.1 37.5
Economics 51 3 .7 1.0 38.5
Legal Studies 52 5 1.1 1.6 40.1
Pre-law Studies 53 1 .2 .3 40.5
Political Science 54 11 2.5 3.6 44.0
Psychology 55 27 6.1 8.7 52.8
Social Thought & Political Econ56 2 .5 .6 53.4
Sociology 57 9 2.0 2.9 56.3
College of Engineering (Undecl)58 7 1.6 2.3 58.6
Chemical Engineering 59 4 .9 1.3 59.9
Civil Engineering 60 7 1.6 2.3 62.1
Computer Systems Engineering 61 5 1.1 1.6 63.8
Electrical Engineering 62 2 .5 .6 64.4
Mechanical Engineering 64 6 1.4 1.9 66.3
Animal Science 65 3 .7 1.0 67.3
Pre-Veterinary Science 66 5 1.1 1.6 68.9
Apparel Marketing 67 3 .7 1.0 69.9
Entomology 68 1 .2 .3 70.2
Environmental Design 69 1 .2 .3 70.6
Environmental Sciences 70 7 1.6 2.3 72.8
Family and Consumer Studies 71 1 .2 .3 73.1
Food Science 72 1 .2 .3 73.5
Forestry 73 2 .5 .6 74.1
Hotel, Restaurant and Travel 74 9 2.0 2.9 77.0
Landscape Architecture 76 4 .9 1.3 78.3
Natural Resource Studies 77 2 .5 .6 79.0
Plant and Soil Sciences 79 1 .2 .3 79.3
Resource Economics 80 2 .5 .6 79.9
Sports Management 81 9 2.0 2.9 82.8
Wildlife and Fisheries 82 2 .5 .6 83.5
Wood Technology 83 5 1.1 1.6 85.1
School of Management (Undecl) 84 3 .7 1.0 86.1
Accounting 85 1 .2 .3 86.4
Finance and Operations Mgmt. 86 2 .5 .6 87.1
Management 87 2 .5 .6 87.7
Marketing 88 3 .7 1.0 88.7
School of Nursing 89 6 1.4 1.9 90.6
Communication Disorders 90 6 1.4 1.9 92.6
Exercise Science 91 13 2.9 4.2 96.8
Human Nutrition 92 2 .5 .6 97.4
School of Education 93 2 .5 .6 98.1
B.D.I.C. 94 6 1.4 1.9 100.0
. 128 29.0 Missing
99 2 .5 Missing
999 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 309 Missing cases 132
(ASK THIS BATTERY ONLY OF DECLARED MAJORS)
I am going to read you a list of potential influences on your decision
to choose your current primary major. Please tell me how important each
of the following was to you in making your decision.
A high school course, teacher or guidance counselor
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 44 14.0 14.1 14.1
Somewhat important 2 74 23.6 23.7 37.8
Somewhat unimportant 3 65 20.7 20.8 58.7
Very unimportant 4 129 41.1 41.3 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 1 .3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 312 Missing cases 2
A UMass course, course instructor or academic advisor
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 33 10.5 10.6 10.6
Somewhat important 2 90 28.7 28.9 39.5
Somewhat unimportant 3 69 22.0 22.2 61.7
Very unimportant 4 119 37.9 38.3 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 2 .6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 311 Missing cases 3
A job that introduced you to the field
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 75 23.9 24.1 24.1
Somewhat important 2 84 26.8 27.0 51.1
Somewhat unimportant 3 43 13.7 13.8 65.0
Very unimportant 4 109 34.7 35.0 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 2 .6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 311 Missing cases 3
Your personal interest in the field
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 275 87.6 87.9 87.9
Somewhat important 2 35 11.1 11.2 99.0
Somewhat unimportant 3 1 .3 .3 99.4
Very unimportant 4 2 .6 .6 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 313 Missing cases 1
Your parents or guardians
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 43 13.7 13.8 13.8
Somewhat important 2 111 35.4 35.7 49.5
Somewhat unimportant 3 51 16.2 16.4 65.9
Very unimportant 4 106 33.8 34.1 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 2 .6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 311 Missing cases 3
Other family members
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 31 9.9 9.9 9.9
Somewhat important 2 77 24.5 24.7 34.6
Somewhat unimportant 3 57 18.2 18.3 52.9
Very unimportant 4 147 46.8 47.1 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 1 .3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 312 Missing cases 2
Your friends
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 14 4.5 4.5 4.5
Somewhat important 2 63 20.1 20.3 24.8
Somewhat unimportant 3 63 20.1 20.3 45.0
Very unimportant 4 171 54.5 55.0 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 2 .6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 311 Missing cases 3
A description of the major in the UMass catalog or other literature
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 33 10.5 10.7 10.7
Somewhat important 2 124 39.5 40.1 50.8
Somewhat unimportant 3 53 16.9 17.2 68.0
Very unimportant 4 99 31.5 32.0 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 4 1.3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 309 Missing cases 5
Results of aptitude or career-interest tests you took, such as the
Myers-Briggs or Strong-Campbell
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 7 2.2 2.3 2.3
Somewhat important 2 42 13.4 14.1 16.4
Somewhat unimportant 3 34 10.8 11.4 27.9
Very unimportant 4 215 68.5 72.1 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 15 4.8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 298 Missing cases 16
You think the classes for the major are easy
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 12 3.8 3.9 3.9
Somewhat important 2 39 12.4 12.8 16.7
Somewhat unimportant 3 50 15.9 16.4 33.1
Very unimportant 4 204 65.0 66.9 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 8 2.5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 305 Missing cases 9
You think the major will guarantee you a job with a high salary
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 60 19.1 19.4 19.4
Somewhat important 2 101 32.2 32.6 51.9
Somewhat unimportant 3 60 19.1 19.4 71.3
Very unimportant 4 89 28.3 28.7 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
dk/refused 5 3 1.0 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 310 Missing cases 4
(IF DECLARED MAJOR)
How many times have you changed your major?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Zero 1 212 67.5 67.7 67.7
Once 2 60 19.1 19.2 86.9
Twice 3 27 8.6 8.6 95.5
Three times 4 8 2.5 2.6 98.1
More than three times 5 6 1.9 1.9 100.0
. 1 .3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 314 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 313 Missing cases 1
Next, I'd like to ask you some questions about your current work habits.
At present, how many hours per week do you work for pay?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 205 46.5 46.7 46.7
3 5 1.1 1.1 47.8
4 4 .9 .9 48.7
5 5 1.1 1.1 49.9
6 16 3.6 3.6 53.5
7 13 2.9 3.0 56.5
8 31 7.0 7.1 63.6
9 11 2.5 2.5 66.1
10 32 7.3 7.3 73.3
11 7 1.6 1.6 74.9
12 12 2.7 2.7 77.7
13 3 .7 .7 78.4
14 2 .5 .5 78.8
15 26 5.9 5.9 84.7
16 5 1.1 1.1 85.9
17 2 .5 .5 86.3
18 3 .7 .7 87.0
19 1 .2 .2 87.2
20 27 6.1 6.2 93.4
21 2 .5 .5 93.8
22 3 .7 .7 94.5
24 2 .5 .5 95.0
25 10 2.3 2.3 97.3
30 7 1.6 1.6 98.9
32 1 .2 .2 99.1
40 4 .9 .9 100.0
99 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 7.114
Mean for students who work 13.35
Median for students who work 10.50
Valid cases 439 Missing cases 2
(FOR PEOPLE WHO WORK ZERO HOURS)
Which of the following best describes why you do not work for pay?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
I cannot find a job 1 23 11.2 11.3 11.3
I do not need to work 2 54 26.3 26.6 37.9
No time to work 3 75 36.6 36.9 74.9
Other 4 51 24.9 25.1 100.0
. 1 .5 Missing
dk/refused 5 1 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 205 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 203 Missing cases 2
(WORKERS ONLY)
At present, how many paying jobs do you have?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
One 1 191 80.9 81.6 81.6
Two 2 34 14.4 14.5 96.2
Three 3 8 3.4 3.4 99.6
Four 4 1 .4 .4 100.0
dk/refused 6 2 .8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 234 Missing cases 2
(WORKERS ONLY)
Are your jobs:
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
On campus only 1 131 55.5 56.0 56.0
Off campus only 2 82 34.7 35.0 91.0
Both on and off campus 3 21 8.9 9.0 100.0
dk/refused 4 2 .8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 234 Missing cases 2
(WORKERS ONLY)
Are your jobs:
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Work study 1 67 28.4 28.6 28.6
Non-work study 2 154 65.3 65.8 94.4
Both work study and non 3 13 5.5 5.6 100.0
dk/refused 4 2 .8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 234 Missing cases 2
(WORKERS ONLY)
At present, do you work for pay more, less, or about the right
amount as you need to?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Less 1 92 39.0 39.8 39.8
More 2 15 6.4 6.5 46.3
About the right amount 3 124 52.5 53.7 100.0
dk/refused 4 5 2.1 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 231 Missing cases 5
(WORKERS ONLY)
Are any of your paying jobs related to your career interests?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 1 68 28.8 29.2 29.2
No 2 165 69.9 70.8 100.0
dk/refused 3 3 1.3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 233 Missing cases 3
(WORKERS ONLY)
How often do you feel as though your working for pay interferes
with your academics?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very often 1 35 14.8 15.0 15.0
Somewhat often 2 52 22.0 22.2 37.2
Not too often 3 76 32.2 32.5 69.7
Not at all often 4 71 30.1 30.3 100.0
dk/refused 5 2 .8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 236 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 234 Missing cases 2
(WORKERS ONLY)
What is the average amount of your weekly pay from all your jobs?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
6 1 .4 .4 .4
15 2 .9 .9 1.3
20 3 1.3 1.3 2.7
25 3 1.3 1.3 4.0
27 1 .4 .4 4.5
28 1 .4 .4 4.9
30 15 6.4 6.7 11.6
33 2 .9 .9 12.5
35 3 1.3 1.3 13.8
37 1 .4 .4 14.3
40 25 10.7 11.2 25.4
45 11 4.7 4.9 30.4
50 29 12.4 12.9 43.3
54 1 .4 .4 43.8
55 4 1.7 1.8 45.5
60 16 6.8 7.1 52.7
61 1 .4 .4 53.1
63 1 .4 .4 53.6
65 2 .9 .9 54.5
70 13 5.6 5.8 60.3
75 6 2.6 2.7 62.9
80 9 3.8 4.0 67.0
84 1 .4 .4 67.4
85 3 1.3 1.3 68.8
88 1 .4 .4 69.2
90 5 2.1 2.2 71.4
95 1 .4 .4 71.9
100 16 6.8 7.1 79.0
115 1 .4 .4 79.5
120 10 4.3 4.5 83.9
125 2 .9 .9 84.8
130 1 .4 .4 85.3
140 1 .4 .4 85.7
145 1 .4 .4 86.2
150 15 6.4 6.7 92.9
170 1 .4 .4 93.3
185 1 .4 .4 93.8
200 6 2.6 2.7 96.4
210 1 .4 .4 96.9
250 2 .9 .9 97.8
300 2 .9 .9 98.7
350 1 .4 .4 99.1
495 1 .4 .4 99.6
500 1 .4 .4 100.0
9999 10 4.3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 234 100.0 100.0
Mean $82.183 Median $60.00
Valid cases 224 Missing cases 10
Approximately how much did you earn working for pay last summer?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 17 3.9 4.3 4.3
50 1 .2 .3 4.5
125 1 .2 .3 4.8
220 1 .2 .3 5.1
300 1 .2 .3 5.3
400 2 .5 .5 5.8
450 1 .2 .3 6.1
500 6 1.4 1.5 7.6
600 5 1.1 1.3 8.8
700 5 1.1 1.3 10.1
800 5 1.1 1.3 11.4
850 1 .2 .3 11.6
950 1 .2 .3 11.9
1000 32 7.3 8.1 19.9
1100 4 .9 1.0 21.0
1200 5 1.1 1.3 22.2
1300 2 .5 .5 22.7
1400 4 .9 1.0 23.7
1500 31 7.0 7.8 31.6
1600 5 1.1 1.3 32.8
1800 2 .5 .5 33.3
2000 57 12.9 14.4 47.7
2100 2 .5 .5 48.2
2200 1 .2 .3 48.5
2400 2 .5 .5 49.0
2500 22 5.0 5.6 54.5
2600 1 .2 .3 54.8
2700 1 .2 .3 55.1
2800 1 .2 .3 55.3
3000 61 13.8 15.4 70.7
3145 1 .2 .3 71.0
3200 1 .2 .3 71.2
3500 19 4.3 4.8 76.0
4000 35 7.9 8.8 84.8
4200 1 .2 .3 85.1
4500 7 1.6 1.8 86.9
4800 1 .2 .3 87.1
4900 1 .2 .3 87.4
5000 25 5.7 6.3 93.7
5200 1 .2 .3 93.9
5500 2 .5 .5 94.4
6000 5 1.1 1.3 95.7
6500 1 .2 .3 96.0
7000 5 1.1 1.3 97.2
8000 4 .9 1.0 98.2
9000 1 .2 .3 98.5
10000 3 .7 .8 99.2
11000 1 .2 .3 99.5
20000 1 .2 .3 99.7
22000 1 .2 .3 100.0
999 1 .2 Missing
9999 1 .2 Missing
99999 43 9.8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean $2758.056
Valid cases 396 Missing cases 45
How many hours of volunteer work do you do per month, not including
work you do for credit?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 308 69.8 70.3 70.3
1 10 2.3 2.3 72.6
2 11 2.5 2.5 75.1
3 13 2.9 3.0 78.1
4 5 1.1 1.1 79.2
5 28 6.3 6.4 85.6
6 4 .9 .9 86.5
8 8 1.8 1.8 88.4
10 20 4.5 4.6 92.9
12 1 .2 .2 93.2
13 1 .2 .2 93.4
15 10 2.3 2.3 95.7
20 7 1.6 1.6 97.3
25 2 .5 .5 97.7
30 3 .7 .7 98.4
35 2 .5 .5 98.9
40 4 .9 .9 99.8
50 1 .2 .2 100.0
9999 3 .7 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 2.863
Valid cases 438 Missing cases 3
On average, how many house per week do you spend doing schoolwork
outside of class?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 2 .5 .5 .5
1 1 .2 .2 .7
2 6 1.4 1.4 2.1
3 9 2.0 2.1 4.2
4 17 3.9 3.9 8.1
5 28 6.3 6.5 14.6
6 19 4.3 4.4 19.0
7 14 3.2 3.2 22.3
8 24 5.4 5.6 27.8
9 2 .5 .5 28.3
10 64 14.5 14.8 43.2
11 2 .5 .5 43.6
12 19 4.3 4.4 48.0
13 4 .9 .9 49.0
14 10 2.3 2.3 51.3
15 71 16.1 16.5 67.7
16 5 1.1 1.2 68.9
17 7 1.6 1.6 70.5
18 4 .9 .9 71.5
20 59 13.4 13.7 85.2
21 8 1.8 1.9 87.0
22 1 .2 .2 87.2
24 3 .7 .7 87.9
25 23 5.2 5.3 93.3
27 1 .2 .2 93.5
28 1 .2 .2 93.7
30 19 4.3 4.4 98.1
40 7 1.6 1.6 99.8
50 1 .2 .2 100.0
99 10 2.3 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 14.060
Valid cases 431 Missing cases 10
On average, how many hours per week do you spend participating in
extra-curricular activities, such as registered student organizations,
student government, house council, intramurals, etc.?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 188 42.6 43.3 43.3
1 22 5.0 5.1 48.4
2 43 9.8 9.9 58.3
3 29 6.6 6.7 65.0
4 19 4.3 4.4 69.4
5 45 10.2 10.4 79.7
6 8 1.8 1.8 81.6
7 7 1.6 1.6 83.2
8 6 1.4 1.4 84.6
9 1 .2 .2 84.8
10 26 5.9 6.0 90.8
11 1 .2 .2 91.0
12 5 1.1 1.2 92.2
13 1 .2 .2 92.4
14 3 .7 .7 93.1
15 6 1.4 1.4 94.5
18 2 .5 .5 94.9
19 1 .2 .2 95.2
20 13 2.9 3.0 98.2
25 3 .7 .7 98.8
26 1 .2 .2 99.1
30 2 .5 .5 99.5
35 1 .2 .2 99.8
70 1 .2 .2 100.0
99 7 1.6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 3.933
Valid cases 434 Missing cases 7
On average, how many hours per day do you sleep -- including taking naps?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
3 1 .2 .2 .2
4 9 2.0 2.1 2.3
5 24 5.4 5.6 7.9
6 76 17.2 17.6 25.5
7 118 26.8 27.3 52.8
8 132 29.9 30.6 83.3
9 34 7.7 7.9 91.2
10 24 5.4 5.6 96.8
11 6 1.4 1.4 98.1
12 4 .9 .9 99.1
13 4 .9 .9 100.0
0 3 .7 Missing
20 1 .2 Missing
99 5 1.1 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 7.428
Valid cases 432 Missing cases 9
The next three questions ask about your spending habits.
Do you have a checking account?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 1 353 80.0 80.8 80.8
No 2 84 19.0 19.2 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 3 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 437 Missing cases 4
Do you have a credit card or cards?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Yes 1 297 67.3 68.1 68.1
No 2 139 31.5 31.9 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 3 3 .7 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 436 Missing cases 5
(if have credit card)
Approximately how much money do you owe on your credit cards at present?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 107 36.0 38.9 38.9
15 1 .3 .4 39.3
16 1 .3 .4 39.6
20 2 .7 .7 40.4
30 2 .7 .7 41.1
40 2 .7 .7 41.8
50 10 3.4 3.6 45.5
60 1 .3 .4 45.8
75 2 .7 .7 46.5
80 2 .7 .7 47.3
85 1 .3 .4 47.6
100 11 3.7 4.0 51.6
120 1 .3 .4 52.0
150 3 1.0 1.1 53.1
155 1 .3 .4 53.5
160 1 .3 .4 53.8
170 1 .3 .4 54.2
175 1 .3 .4 54.5
200 25 8.4 9.1 63.6
250 2 .7 .7 64.4
300 11 3.7 4.0 68.4
350 1 .3 .4 68.7
400 12 4.0 4.4 73.1
482 1 .3 .4 73.5
500 7 2.4 2.5 76.0
512 1 .3 .4 76.4
550 1 .3 .4 76.7
600 5 1.7 1.8 78.5
700 3 1.0 1.1 79.6
800 5 1.7 1.8 81.5
900 1 .3 .4 81.8
1000 8 2.7 2.9 84.7
1200 2 .7 .7 85.5
1300 1 .3 .4 85.8
1400 1 .3 .4 86.2
1500 11 3.7 4.0 90.2
2000 9 3.0 3.3 93.5
2200 1 .3 .4 93.8
2300 1 .3 .4 94.2
2500 2 .7 .7 94.9
3000 7 2.4 2.5 97.5
3200 1 .3 .4 97.8
4300 1 .3 .4 98.2
5000 1 .3 .4 98.5
6000 2 .7 .7 99.3
7000 1 .3 .4 99.6
8000 1 .3 .4 100.0
9999 1 .3 Missing
11111 1 .3 Missing
99999 20 6.7 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 297 100.0 100.0
Mean 545.782
Valid cases 275 Missing cases 22
Next, I would like to ask you about your job plans.
How important is it to you to have a job or career that relates
to your major field of study here at UMass?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very important 1 276 62.6 64.0 64.0
Somewhat important 2 121 27.4 28.1 92.1
Somewhat unimportant 3 17 3.9 3.9 96.1
Very unimportant 4 17 3.9 3.9 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 5 8 1.8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 431 Missing cases 10
How confident are you that you will find a job that is related to your
major field of study?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Very confident 1 193 43.8 45.6 45.6
Somewhat confident 2 174 39.5 41.1 86.8
Somewhat unconfident 3 41 9.3 9.7 96.5
Very unconfident 4 15 3.4 3.5 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 5 16 3.6 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 423 Missing cases 18
(Seniors Only)
When you graduate with your bachelor's degree, approximately how
much money will you personally owe in college loans?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
0 22 24.4 27.5 27.5
2000 3 3.3 3.8 31.3
3000 1 1.1 1.3 32.5
6000 1 1.1 1.3 33.8
6500 1 1.1 1.3 35.0
7000 1 1.1 1.3 36.3
8000 4 4.4 5.0 41.3
10000 9 10.0 11.3 52.5
11000 1 1.1 1.3 53.8
12000 3 3.3 3.8 57.5
13000 2 2.2 2.5 60.0
14000 1 1.1 1.3 61.3
15000 11 12.2 13.8 75.0
17000 1 1.1 1.3 76.3
18000 1 1.1 1.3 77.5
20000 4 4.4 5.0 82.5
22000 1 1.1 1.3 83.8
25000 6 6.7 7.5 91.3
30000 4 4.4 5.0 96.3
35000 1 1.1 1.3 97.5
40000 1 1.1 1.3 98.8
80000 1 1.1 1.3 100.0
99999 10 11.1 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 90 100.0 100.0
Mean 12056.250
Valid cases 80 Missing cases 10
(Seniors Only)
When are you planning to begin searching for a job?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
I already have 1 27 30.0 31.4 31.4
Sometime before graduation 2 28 31.1 32.6 64.0
Upon graduation 3 8 8.9 9.3 73.3
Sometime after graduation 4 11 12.2 12.8 86.0
not looking/have other plans 5 12 13.3 14.0 100.0
dk/refused 6 4 4.4 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 90 100.0 100.0
Mean 2.453
Valid cases 86 Missing cases 4
(If will look for job -- if answer to above questions is 1-4:
those answering 5 skip to demographic questions)
Once you being your job search, how long do you think it will take you
to find a job?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Already have job lined up 1 14 15.6 20.6 20.6
One or two months 2 15 16.7 22.1 42.6
Three or four months 3 16 17.8 23.5 66.2
Five or six months 4 15 16.7 22.1 88.2
More than six months 5 8 8.9 11.8 100.0
. 12 13.3 Missing
dk/refused 6 10 11.1 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 90 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 68 Missing cases 22
(if will look for job - if answer to question before last is 1-4)
How much do you think your starting salary will be?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
10000 1 1.4 1.6 1.6
15000 2 2.7 3.2 4.8
20000 11 14.9 17.7 22.6
21000 1 1.4 1.6 24.2
22000 1 1.4 1.6 25.8
24000 2 2.7 3.2 29.0
25000 13 17.6 21.0 50.0
26000 1 1.4 1.6 51.6
27000 3 4.1 4.8 56.5
29000 2 2.7 3.2 59.7
30000 15 20.3 24.2 83.9
32000 2 2.7 3.2 87.1
35000 3 4.1 4.8 91.9
37000 1 1.4 1.6 93.5
40000 3 4.1 4.8 98.4
45000 1 1.4 1.6 100.0
. 1 1.4 Missing
999999 11 14.9 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 74 100.0 100.0
Mean 26806.452
Valid cases 62 Missing cases 12
The following few questions ask for demographic information. This
information allows us to compare differences, if any, between groups.
What is your age?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
15 1 .2 .2 .2
17 13 2.9 3.0 3.2
18 107 24.3 24.5 27.7
19 103 23.4 23.6 51.3
20 75 17.0 17.2 68.4
21 63 14.3 14.4 82.8
22 41 9.3 9.4 92.2
23 10 2.3 2.3 94.5
24 5 1.1 1.1 95.7
25 2 .5 .5 96.1
26 4 .9 .9 97.0
27 1 .2 .2 97.3
28 1 .2 .2 97.5
31 1 .2 .2 97.7
32 2 .5 .5 98.2
34 3 .7 .7 98.9
36 1 .2 .2 99.1
43 1 .2 .2 99.3
44 1 .2 .2 99.5
45 1 .2 .2 99.8
50 1 .2 .2 100.0
0 2 .5 Missing
99 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 20.178
Valid cases 437 Missing cases 4
What is your residential area?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Northeast/Sylvan 1 74 16.8 16.9 16.9
Orchard Hill/Central 2 103 23.4 23.6 40.5
Southwest 3 132 29.9 30.2 70.7
Off-Campus 4 127 28.8 29.1 99.8
Fraternity/Sorority 5 1 .2 .2 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 7 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 437 Missing cases 4
*** PLEASE NOTE THE LARGE PROPORTION OF MISSING DATA ON THIS ITEM ***
What is your best estimate of your parents' total income for last year?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
1000 1 .2 .4 .4
1900 1 .2 .4 .8
8000 2 .5 .8 1.6
10000 1 .2 .4 2.0
10500 1 .2 .4 2.4
13000 1 .2 .4 2.8
18000 2 .5 .8 3.6
19000 1 .2 .4 4.0
20000 9 2.0 3.6 7.7
21000 1 .2 .4 8.1
23000 1 .2 .4 8.5
24000 1 .2 .4 8.9
25000 10 2.3 4.0 12.9
28000 1 .2 .4 13.3
30000 12 2.7 4.8 18.1
35000 9 2.0 3.6 21.8
39000 1 .2 .4 22.2
40000 17 3.9 6.9 29.0
41000 1 .2 .4 29.4
43000 1 .2 .4 29.8
45000 7 1.6 2.8 32.7
50000 22 5.0 8.9 41.5
55000 4 .9 1.6 43.1
60000 12 2.7 4.8 48.0
65000 11 2.5 4.4 52.4
66000 1 .2 .4 52.8
70000 22 5.0 8.9 61.7
75000 11 2.5 4.4 66.1
80000 20 4.5 8.1 74.2
85000 4 .9 1.6 75.8
90000 11 2.5 4.4 80.2
92000 1 .2 .4 80.6
95000 1 .2 .4 81.0
100000 27 6.1 10.9 91.9
110000 1 .2 .4 92.3
120000 6 1.4 2.4 94.8
130000 3 .7 1.2 96.0
150000 5 1.1 2.0 98.0
160000 1 .2 .4 98.4
190000 1 .2 .4 98.8
200000 2 .5 .8 99.6
1000000 1 .2 .4 100.0
. 6 1.4 Missing
99999 5 1.1 Missing
999999 9 2.0 Missing
9999999 173 39.2 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Mean 69150.806
Valid cases 248 Missing cases 193
What is the highest level of formal education completed by your mother?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Grammar school or less 1 6 1.4 1.4 1.4
Some high school 2 9 2.0 2.1 3.5
High school graduate 3 140 31.7 32.5 36.0
Postsecondary school 4 32 7.3 7.4 43.4
Some college 5 51 11.6 11.8 55.2
College degree 6 120 27.2 27.8 83.1
Some graduate school 7 11 2.5 2.6 85.6
Graduate degree 8 62 14.1 14.4 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 9 8 1.8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 431 Missing cases 10
What is the highest level of formal education completed by your father?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Grammar school or less 1 8 1.8 1.9 1.9
Some high school 2 4 .9 .9 2.8
High school graduate 3 107 24.3 25.1 27.9
Postsecondary school 4 17 3.9 4.0 31.9
Some college 5 37 8.4 8.7 40.6
College degree 6 131 29.7 30.8 71.4
Some graduate school 7 11 2.5 2.6 73.9
Graduate degree 8 111 25.2 26.1 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 9 13 2.9 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 426 Missing cases 15
What is your religion or spiritual orientation?
(open-ended question coded by interviewer)
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Agnostic 2 12 2.7 2.9 2.9
Baptist 7 2 .5 .5 3.4
Buddhist 9 6 1.4 1.5 4.9
Catholic 10 218 49.4 52.9 57.8
Christian 11 20 4.5 4.9 62.6
Congregationalist 14 1 .2 .2 62.9
Episcopal 15 3 .7 .7 63.6
Greek Orthodox 17 6 1.4 1.5 65.0
Hindu 18 1 .2 .2 65.3
Jewish 21 21 4.8 5.1 70.4
Lutheran 22 1 .2 .2 70.6
Methodist 23 3 .7 .7 71.4
Muslim 25 2 .5 .5 71.8
Orthodox 26 1 .2 .2 72.1
Pagan 27 2 .5 .5 72.6
Presbyterian 29 1 .2 .2 72.8
Protestant 30 15 3.4 3.6 76.5
Salvation Army 33 1 .2 .2 76.7
Seventh Day Adventist 35 2 .5 .5 77.2
Unitarian 40 3 .7 .7 77.9
Other 43 8 1.8 1.9 79.9
Not religious/spiritual 97 65 14.7 15.8 95.6
Not applicable 98 18 4.1 4.4 100.0
. 3 .7 Missing
Refused/Don't know 99 26 5.9 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 412 Missing cases 29
Which of the following best describes your race or ethnicity?
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Biracial, or Multi-racial 1 10 2.3 2.3 2.3
African-American, or Black 2 11 2.5 2.6 4.9
Asian-American, or Pacific Isl. 3 19 4.3 4.4 9.3
Latino/Hispanic/Chicano 4 13 2.9 3.0 12.3
Native American, or N. or S.
American Indian/Alaskan 5 3 .7 .7 13.0
White, or Caucasian 6 362 82.1 84.0 97.0
Other 7 13 2.9 3.0 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
dk/refused 8 8 1.8 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 431 Missing cases 10
Respondent's Sex
Valid Cum
Value Label Value Frequency Percent Percent Percent
Female 1 217 49.2 49.4 49.4
Male 2 222 50.3 50.6 100.0
. 2 .5 Missing
------- ------- -------
Total 441 100.0 100.0
Valid cases 439 Missing cases 2