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National Survey of Student Engagement

National Survey of Student Engagement at UMass Amherst Logo

The NSSE is a prominent national survey of first year students and seniors is conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Postsecondary Research.

Survey Design

Since 2002, UMass Amherst has participated in the survey triennially to assess how involved students are in practices associated with high levels of learning and engagement indicators including:

  • Higher-order learning
  • Reflective and integrative learning
  • Learning strategies
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Collaborative learning

Survey Methods

In May and April of 2023, 4,906 first-year students and 5,250 seniors were invited to complete the survey. The response rates for first-year students was 49% (n=2,247) and for seniors it was 32% (n=1,683).

2023 NSSE Reports (University sign-in required)

Snapshot 
A concise collection of findings from the most recent 2023 NSSE survey administration.
Frequencies and Statistical Comparisons 
Student responses and statistical comparisons between UMass Amherst students and students at comparison group institutions.
Highlights Dashboard
Tableau dashboards summarizing key findings for first-year students and seniors.

For more information on the survey, visit the NSSE website.

82%
Of first-year students and seniors CONNECTED IDEAS FROM COURSES TO PRIOR EXPERIENCES often or very often
80%
Of first-year students and seniors often HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH PEOPLE OF RACES OR ETHNICITIES OTHER THAN THEIR OWN
77%
Of first-year students and seniors often APPLIED FACTS, THEORIES, OR METHODS TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OR NEW SITUATIONS
84%
Of seniors said they would GO TO UMASS AMHERST if they could start over again