College Student Motivation: What You Need to Know


See key data on first- and second-year students, analyzed from nearly 100,000 student records

2022 College Student Motivation Data SheetStudents remain committed to college, but more students than ever question whether they should invest in getting a college degree. Now we are seeing nearly one-third of students question the value of college.

Find out more with this free infographic showing:

  • The top 10 priorities for incoming first-year students
  • Four key data points about second-year students

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How can you intervene earlier with students and optimize your student success efforts?

The motivation data in this infographic are taken from the RNL Retention Management System, a comprehensive suite of student success surveys and analytics that help you identify which individual undergraduates are most at risk, gauge students’ receptivity to assistance in key areas, and immediately connect at-risk students to relevant campus resources.

Trusted for more than 30 years by 1,400 colleges and universities, the RMS has surveys for entering first-year students, students at the midpoint of their first year, and second-year students.

Learn more and see samples