Report date: 1/22/2016
Prepared by: Institutional Effectiveness/Research

This report has been designed to provide timely, accurate, and comparative information on students who graduated in Summer 2014, Fall 2014, and Spring 2015 . The survey was sent to all students who received a degree (AA, AS, AAS), diploma, or certificate during that timeframe. In total, the survey was sent to 2,270 Kirkwood graduates. Of these 1,315 were CTE students and 955 were AA/AS students. A gift card drawing incentive was used.
The data in this report was derived solely from the online Graduate Follow-up Survey that was administered from 11/30/15 through 1/11/16 .
This report is intended to be used as a data source to support and inform program planning, evaluation, and decision-making. Each department and program is encouraged to convene collaborative faculty, staff, advisory committee, and administrative dialogues and analyze this data in concert with other data sources. Each dialogue is an opportunity to formulate questions to guide the development of annual goals and five-year plans as well as to inform the college’s program and curriculum review process and to meet accreditation agency expectations.
Departments and programs needing additional assistance with this data or other sources should contact Institutional Research. This department is committed to supporting annual updates of this information.
Response rates
CTE participants = 161 (12.2%)
Agricultural Sciences = 21 (8.68%)
Allied Health = 34 (14.59%)
Business Education = 21 (13.21%)
Health Occupations = 2 (9.52%)
Hospitality Arts = 4 (7.14%)
Industrial Technologies = 24 (10.76%)
Information Technology = 20 (17.54%)
Nursing = 31 (13.36%)
Science = 0 (0.00%)
Social Sciences = 4 (13.79%)
Liberal Arts participants = 109 (11.4%)
TOTAL participants = 270 (11.9%)
*Study limitations: Please note that the results presented in this report are student perceptions. We assume students completed the survey in good faith and to the best of their knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information provided.
This report is based on the students’ award program as recorded in Colleague. Some students may have indicated they graduated with a different award. This may be due to students not fully understanding what award they received, having more than one award during the timeframe of this report, or referring to an award they received outside the timeframe of this report.

1.
Please select the Kirkwood location where you primarily took classes.
Answer
Cedar Rapids - Main Campus
Benton County Regional Center
Cedar County Regional Center
Iowa City Campus
Iowa County Regional Center
Jones County Regional Center
Linn County Regional Center
Washington County Regional Center
Online/Distance Learning
Total
Bar Response
21
0
1
2
14
208
0
0
22
268
%
0%
1%
8%
0%
5%
78%
0%
0%
8%

2.
While at Kirkwood, did you receive a Kirkwood scholarship?
Bar Answer
Yes
No
Unsure
Total
Response
94
155
18
267
%
35%
58%
7%

3.
What was your primary goal when you decided to attend Kirkwood? (Choose one)
Answer
Earn a diploma
Earn a certificate
Earn an Associate degree
Transfer to another institution
Maintain current employment
Advance with current employer
Prepare for new career
Other (please specify)
Total
Bar Response
32
6
0
5
14
4
154
50
265
%
0%
2%
12%
2%
5%
2%
58%
19%

4.
What other colleges or universities did you consider prior to choosing
Kirkwood? (Choose up to 3 responses)
Answer
None - no other college considered
University of Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Iowa State University
Other (please specify)
Mount Mercy University
Iowa Central Community College
Hawkeye Community College
Kaplan University
Upper Iowa University
Des Moines Area Community College
Coe College
Indian Hills Community College
Southeastern Community College
North Iowa Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College
Eastern Iowa Community College
Iowa Valley Community College
Cornell College
Statistic
Total Responses
Bar Response
3
2
6
5
12
12
11
10
1
0
0
22
22
15
13
94
59
27
25
Value
244
%
2%
2%
1%
1%
5%
5%
5%
4%
9%
9%
6%
5%
39%
24%
11%
10%
0%
0%
0%

5.
What factors impacted your decision to attend Kirkwood? (Select up to 3 responses)
Answer
Tuition/cost
Location
Program of study
Size of institution
Academic Reputation
Financial aid/scholarships
Online courses
Family/friends
Facilities/campus
Other (please specify)
Faculty
Athletics
Diversity of students
Extra-curricular activities
Statistic
Total Responses
Bar Response
24
16
15
8
2
1
41
37
26
24
172
137
120
46
Value
264
%
9%
6%
6%
3%
1%
0%
16%
14%
10%
9%
65%
52%
45%
17%

6.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements.Please
select 'not applicable' (N/A) if the item does not apply to your program of study.My
program at Kirkwood:
Question a. did a good job preparing me for a job in my field b. helped me to perform well on the job c. provided me with an educational foundation for further learning d. helped me to develop good work habits e. helped me to develop communication skills f. helped me to develop human relations skills g. helped me to develop problem solving skills h. helped me to realize the importance of work quality i. helped me to realize the importance of productivity j. helped me to realize the importance of responsibility k. provided me with skills to obtain a job in my field l. provided me with skills to maintain a job in my field m. provided me with skills to work with current industry equipment n. provided me with skills to follow instructions o. provided me with skills to work effectively with others p. had a logical sequence of coursework
Strongly agree
76
79
106
88
88
92
86
83
85
80
74
80
75
84
81
89
Agree
89
90
90
78
80
103
106
101
104
75
99
96
75
111
93
96
Moderately agree
35
45
19
47
46
45
38
33
38
46
51
48
39
46
43
38
Moderately disagree
6
4
4
7
6
7
6
7
6
5
7
3
10
8
9
4
Disagree
4
3
5
5
3
5
5
6
2
4
5
6
6
5
6
1
Strongly disagree
3
2
4
3
5
9
6
5
5
5
7
4
6
7
5
5
Mean
5.01
5.00
5.24
4.93
4.96
5.02
5.00
5.00
4.97
4.99
4.89
4.98
4.93
5.00
4.90
4.95
Total
Responses
221
211
245
243
241
242
218
213
244
244
243
244
207
241
239
244

7.
Were the course requirements for your program of study clear?
Answer
Yes
No (please explain)
Total
Bar Response
230
19
249
%
92%
8%

8.
For the following questions, please rate how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with your experience at Kirkwood.
Question
Your overall education from
Kirkwood
Your overall experience at
Kirkwood
Very satisfied
118
116
Satisfied
101
86
Moderately satisfied
24
27
Moderately dissatisfied
5
12
Dissatisfied
0
4
Very dissatisfied
0
3
Total
Responses
248
248
Mean
5.34
5.17

9.
On a scale from "Very unlikely" to "Very likely", what is the likelihood you would recommend Kirkwood to other students interested in your area of study?
1 = "very unlikely" 10 = "very likely"
Question
Recommend Kirkwood
1
15
2
4
3
11
4
3
5
3
6
11
7
8
8
31
9
45
10
116
Total Responses
247
Mean
8.17

10.
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following items. At Kirkwood...
Question
I felt connected to my area of study
I felt connected to other students on campus
I felt connected to other students in my classes
I felt supported by my instructors
I felt supported in my academic goals
Strongly agree
100
47
86
107
96
Agree
96
59
79
93
109
Moderately agree
42
77
51
32
25
Moderately disagree
7
26
19
4
9
Disagree
1
26
9
7
6
Strongly disagree
2
12
4
5
3
Total
Responses
248
247
248
248
248
Mean
5.13
4.16
4.81
5.10
5.09

11.
While a student at Kirkwood, did you use Kirkwood's Career Services?
Bar Answer
Yes
No
Unsure
Total
Response
68
156
26
250
%
27%
62%
10%

12.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
Question
Kirkwood's career services/workshops were helpful in assisting me with career direction
Kirkwood's career services/workshops were helpful in preparing me with job seeking skills
Strongly agree
23
Agree
36
Moderately agree
4
24 33 7
Moderately disagree
1
1
Disagree
1
2
Strongly disagree
1
0
Total
Responses
Mean
66 5.15
67 5.13

13.
Did you attend Kirkwood in order to transfer to another college or university?
Bar Answer
Yes
No
Total
Response
117
133
250
%
47%
53%

14.
What is the highest level of education you intend to earn in your lifetime?
Answer
Vocational/technical certificate or diploma
Associate degree (AA, AS)
Bachelor's degree (BA, BS)
Master's degree (MA, MS, etc.)
Professional (JD, MD, etc.)
Doctorate (PhD, EdD, etc.)
Other (please specify)
Total
Bar Response
4
20
10
6
61
84
62
247
%
2%
25%
34%
25%
2%
8%
4%

15.
After graduating from Kirkwood, did you continue your education at another institution (i.e. transfer)?
Bar Answer
Yes
No
Total
Response
103
147
250
%
41%
59%

16.
Name of institution where you continued your education:
Answer
University of Iowa
Other
Mount Mercy University
Iowa State University
Upper Iowa University
University of Northern Iowa
Coe College
Saint Ambrose University
Hawkeye Community College
Waldorf College
Northwest Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College
North Iowa Area Community College
Northwestern College
Morningside College
Maharishi University of Management
Southwestern Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College
William Penn University
Wartburg College
University of Dubuque
Southeastern Community College
Luther College
Simpson College
Iowa Western Community College
Cornell College
Des Moines Area Community College
Dordt College
Drake University
Clarke University
Central College
Allen College
Briar Cliff University
Buena Vista University
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Graceland University–Lamoni
Iowa Valley Community College District
Iowa Wesleyan College
AIB College of Business
Kaplan University
Iowa Lakes Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Grand View University
Grinnell College
Indian Hills Community College
Loras College
Total
Bar Response
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
1
7
5
28
20
19
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
93
%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
0%
0%
8%
5%
3%
1%
30%
22%
20%
9%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

17.
What is/was your major at your transfer institution?
Answer
Nursing
Business
Other
Psychology
Education
Biology
Social Work
Agricultural Studies
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Graphic Design
Microbiology
Sociology
Health Promotion
Sport Studies
Religious Studies
Mathematics
Finance
Dentistry
Journalism and Mass Communication
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Geographic Information Science
French
Pre-Medicine
Actuarial Science
Advertising
Leadership Studies
Ethics & Public Policy
Computer Science
History
Architecture
Accounting
Pharmacy
Health & Human Physiology
Design
Technology Management
Spanish
Movement and Exercise Science
Nonprofit Management
Museum Studies
Military Programs (ROTC)
Mortuary Science
Music
Management
Landscape Architecture
Latin American Studies
Law
Kinesiology and Health
Italian
International Business
International Studies
Leisure Studies
Linguistics
Bar %
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
2%
1%
1%
3%
2%
2%
2%
4%
4%
3%
3%
19%
14%
9%
6%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Response
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
3
4
4
8
6
18
13
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Medicine
Medieval Studies
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Engineering
Manufacturing Technology
Marketing
Meteorology
Physician Assistant
Statistics
Study of Religion
Supply Chain Management
Speech Communication
Speech & Hearing Science
Russian
Social Science
Software Engineering
Sustainability
Technical Communication
Women's Studies
Writing
Zoology
Wind Energy
Veterinary Medicine
Technological Entrepreneurship
Textile and Apparel
Theatre Arts
Risk Management and Insurance
Real Estate
Physical Therapy
Interior Design
Physics
Physical Education
Philosophy
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Performing Arts
Podiatry
Political Science
Public Relations
Public Service and Administration in Agriculture
Radiation Sciences
Public Health
Public Administration
Portuguese
Pre-Law
Nutritional Science
Horticulture
Child, Adult and Family Services
Chiropractic Medicine
Cinema
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Biophysics
Botany
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Civil Engineering
Classical Languages
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering
Construction Management
Comparative Literature
Community and Regional Planning
Communication
Communication Studies
Communicative Disorders
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Biochemistry
American Sign Language & Deaf Studies
American Studies
Ancient Civilization
American Indian & Native Studies
Agronomy
Aerospace Engineering
African American Studies
Aging Studies
Animal Ecology
Animal Science
Asian Languages & Literature
Astronomy
Athletic Training
Art
Applied Physics
Anthropology
Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Culinary Science
Dairy Science
Gerontology
Global Health Studies
Global Resource Systems
German
Geoscience
Genetics
Geography
Geology
Global Studies
Hospitality Management
Industrial Technology
Informatics
Integrated Studio Arts
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Design
Human Physiology
Human Rights
Humanities
Fundraising & Philanthropy Communication
Forestry
Earth Science
Economics
Engineering
Early Childhood Education
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Disability Studies
Dance
Diet and Exercise
Dietetics
English
Entrepreneurial Management
Family Services
Fine Arts
Food Science
Family & Consumer Sciences Education and Studies
Event Management
Environmental Policy & Planning
Environmental Sciences
Interactive Digital Studies
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
94
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

18.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Question
Kirkwood did a good job preparing me to continue my education
Strongly agree
40
Agree
48
Moderately agree
12
Moderately disagree
1
Disagree
1
Strongly disagree
0
Total
Responses
102
Mean
5.23

19.
On a scale from "Very difficult" to "Very easy", how smooth was the transfer process from Kirkwood to your current school?
1 = "very difficult" 10 = "very easy"
Question
Transfer process
1
4
2
1
3
1
4
3
5
8
6
3
7
9
8
20
9
16
10
35
Total Responses
100
Mean
7.96

20.
Which of the following best describes your current employment status?
Answer
Employed full-time (40 hours or more/week)
Employed part-time (less than 40 hours/week)
Self-employed
Military service
Unemployed
Total
Bar Response
151
62
6
0
31
250
%
60%
25%
2%
0%
12%

21.
Have you been with the same employer since attending Kirkwood?
Bar Answer
Yes, same employer
No, different employer
Not applicable
Total
Response
126
84
9
219
%
58%
38%
4%

22.
If you are not employed, are you seeking employment?
Bar Answer
Yes
No
Total
Response
11
20
31
%
35%
65%

23.
If you are not employed, are you seeking full-time or part-time work?
Answer
Full-time (40 hours or more/week)
Part-time (less than 40 hours/week)
Total
Bar Response
6
5
11
%
55%
45%

24.
Is your employment related to your major or area of study at Kirkwood?
Answer
Yes, I am employed in an occupation that is directly related to my Kirkwood program
Yes, I am employed in an occupation that is somewhat related to my Kirkwood program
No, I am employed in an occupation that is not related to my Kirkwood program
Total
Bar Response
108
34
70
212
%
51%
16%
33%

25.
On a scale from "Very difficult" to "Very easy", how easy or difficult was it to find a job after you graduated from Kirkwood?
1 = "very difficult" 10 = "very easy"
Question
Finding job
1
2
2
3
3
3
4
8
5
8
6
6
7
8
8
10
9
7
10
24
Total Responses
79
Mean
7.14

26.
How long did it take you to find your current job?
Answer
Less than a month
1-3 months
4-6 months
7-9 months
10+ months
Total
Bar Response
33
26
13
6
2
80
%
41%
33%
16%
8%
3%

27.
Within $10,000, what is your current annual salary?
Answer
Under $20,000 per year
$20,000 to $30,000 per year
$30,001 to $40,000 per year
$40,001 to $50,000 per year
$50,001 to $60,000 per year
$60,001 to $70,000 per year
$70,001 to $80,000 per year
$80,001 to $90,000 per year
$90,001 to $100,000 per year
$100,001 or more per year
Prefer not to answer
Total
Bar Response
14
5
1
1
58
37
39
25
1
1
24
206
%
7%
2%
0%
0%
28%
18%
19%
12%
0%
0%
12%

28.
Division_Title
Value
Liberal Arts
Business Education
Nursing
Industrial Technologies
Allied Health
Hospitality Arts
Information Technology
Agricultural Sciences
Social Sciences
Health Occupations
Total
4
2
34
4
20
21
109
21
31
24

29.
Program
Value
Liberal Arts
Administrative Assistant
Associate Degree Nursing
Architectural Technology
Dental Hygiene
Hotel Management
Apparel Merchandising
Advanced Welding Technologies
Water Environmental Technology
Computer Software Development
Dental Assisting
Small Animal Services
Physical Therapist Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Computer Support Specialist
Electronics Engineering Technology
Agriculture Production Management
Landscape Construction and Design
Practical Nursing
Management
Horse Science Technology
Automation and Instrumentation Technologies
Veterinary Technician
Computer Numerical Control Machining Technology
Geographic Information Systems
Agricultural Geospatial Technology
Humane Officer Training
Parks and Natural Resources
Accounting
Entry-Level Fire Fighter
Network and System Administration
Respiratory Therapist
Paralegal
Interior Design
Plumbing Technology
Agriculture Business
Medical Assisting
Web Technologies
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Finance
Surgical Technology
Dental Technology
Early Childhood Education
Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
Restaurant Management
Pharmacy Technician
Golf Course & Athletic Turfgrass Management
Medical Transcription
Marketing
Graphic Communication Technology
Baking and Pastry Arts
Automotive Collision Repair
Total
4
3
1
3
3
1
12
6
2
2
2
5
5
3
8
3
1
1
6
1
2
3
2
109
5
19
1
2
1
1
2
3
2
5
5
2
1
3
3
4
3
1
5
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
3
1

CAD/Mechanical Engineering Technology 1