Date of Award
Fall 2018
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Marketing
First Advisor
Dr. William Jones
Second Advisor
Mr. Scott Pohlson
Third Advisor
Mrs. Michelle Cwach
Keywords
Cognitive Factors, Non-Cognitive Factors, Undergraduate Enrollment, Decision Making, Emotions
Abstract
Prospective undergraduate students face a multitude of factors that can influence their enrollment decision. Some of these deciding factors are university-centered which may include cost and tuition fees, the availability of desired academic program(s), and the institution’s academic reputation. However, there are other factors that can have just as much significance and importance to a student: non-cognitive and emotional factors. This article highlights a rather large research gap surrounding the intersection of emotion and decision making in regards to undergraduate recruitment. Based on existing research of influential factors in prospective students’ decision making along with the review of the Admitted Students Survey by the University of South Dakota, it can be concluded that more emphasis should be placed on emotional, non-cognitive factors in future research and marketing opportunities in higher education.
Recommended Citation
Schoenfelder, Taylor, "An Exploratory Study of Influential Factors in Prospective Students’ Decision to Apply to the University of South Dakota" (2018). Honors Thesis. 28.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/28