2006 CIRP Survey of New Students

The following tables are based on responses of incoming students on the 2006 CIRP Survey.  The survey was completed by 283 incoming students.  The data was analyzed  locally which will differ slightly from the analysis from the Higher Education Research Institute.

Although this information is valuable and provides a glimpse into some characteristics of the incoming class, please keep in mind that not all students completed the survey.  These data, therefore, are not intended to represent or profile the entire incoming class. 

Links to tables

Gender Student Estimate of Parents' Income
Ethnicity Financial Worry
English as Native Language Students' Probable Major Field of Study
High School Graduation Year Highest Degree Planned to Obtain
Number of Miles from home Self rating of Traits
Political Views Activities Engaged in by Student in Past Year
Average Grade in High School Hours Spent in Certain Activities in Past Year
SAT/ACT Scores "In deciding to go to college, how important to you was each of the following Reasons."
Earlham as First Choice? Reasons Influencing Students' Decision to attend Earlham
Applied at how many other colleges? Ratings of Likelihood of Certain Events in College

Housing Plans for Fall Semester

Ratings of Importance of life Objectives
Student and Parent Religious Affiliation Views on Social Issues
Parent Status 2006 Supplemental Questions
Parents' Highest Education Level  

Gender
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Gender
% %
%
%
Female
 53 59
60
59
Male
 45 37
38
40

 

Race/Ethnicity
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Ethnicity
% %
%
%
White/Caucasian
 81 75
79
85
African American/Black
 7 9
7
5
Asian American/Asian
 6 6
4
4
Other
 4 6
5
3
Other Latino
 1 2
1
2
Mexican American/Chicano
 1 2
1
0
American Indian
 0 0
2
0
Puerto Rican
 0 0
1
0

 

English as Native Language
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Response
% %
%
%
Yes
 86 87
91
92
No
 11 11
7
7

 

High School Graduation
 

2006 2005 2004 2003
Date % Date %
Date
 %
Date		 %
2006 83 2005 82 2004
83
2003
81
2005 9 2004 8 2003
11
    
2004 4 2003 4
Before 2002
5
Before 2000
7
Other 4 Other 6 Other
1
Other
12

 

Number of Miles from Home

2006 2005
2004
2003
Miles
% %
%
%
More than 500
 43 54
47 
42 
101 to 500
 31 30
33
38
51 to 100
 15 7
12  
9  
11 to 50
 5 2
4  
4  
5 or less
 2 2
3  
2  
6 to 10
 1 1
1  
2  

Political Views
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Political Views
% %
%
%
Liberal
 56 51
56
59
Middle of the road
 21 16
19
22
Far left
 15 25
20
13
Conservative
 4 5
2
2
Far right
 1 0
1
1

   

Average Grade in High School
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Grade
% %
%
%
‘B’ Average
 55 49
48
50
‘A’ Average
 44 47
47
45
‘C’ Average
 1 4
4
5

 

SAT/ACT Scores (rounded)
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Test
Average Score Average Score
Average Score
Average Score
SAT Verbal
 660 628
636
640
SAT Math
 618 607
597
612
ACT
 25 27
27
27

 

"Is this college your…?"
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Choice
% %
%
%
First choice
 62 68
75
72
Second choice
 25 21
19
19
Third choice
 8 6
2
5
Less than third choice
 4 4
3
3

   

"To how many colleges other than this one did you apply for admission this year?"

 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Number
% %
%
%
4-6 
 36 33
32
30
1-3 
 31 31
34
40
7 or more 
 17 21
17
18
None
 14 15
16
14

   

Housing Plans for Fall Semester
 

2006 2005
2004
2003
Living Situation
% %
%
%
College Dormitory
 97 98
96
96
With Parents or Relatives
 1 1
2
1
Other private home, apartment or room
 1 1
1
1
Other campus student housing
 1 0
0
1

 

Student Religious Affiliation
 

  2006 2005
2004
2003
Religion 
 Student (%) Student (%)
Student (%)

Student (%)
None
 40 38
37
35
Quaker
 10 12
15
14
Other Christian
 9 8
7
9
Roman Catholic
 8 6
6
6
Jewish
 7 5
7
4
Other Religion
 6 6
4
12
Buddhist
 5 3
4
2
Methodist
 4 4
3
2
Islamic
 3 1
1
1
Presbyterian
 2 2
3
2
Baptist
 2 3
4
4
Episcopal
 2 2
1
2
Eastern Orthodox
 0 0
1
0
Lutheran
 0 1
1
2
United Church of Christ
 0 1
1
1
Seventh Day Adventist
 0 1
0
0
Mormon
 0 0
0
0

 

Parent Status
 

  2006 2005
2004
2003
Status 
 % %
%
%
Both alive and living with each other
 71 67
72
69
Both alive, divorced or living apart
 25 29
25
26
One or both deceased
 3 4
3
4

 

Parents’ Highest Education Level
 

  2006

2005
2004
2003
 2006

2005
2004
2003
 Education Father (%)

Father (%)
Father (%)
Father (%)
 Mother (%)

Mother (%)
Mother (%)
Mother (%)
Grammar school or less
 0

1

1

1

0

1

1

1

Some high school
 2

4

1

2

1

2

2

2

High school graduate
 9

9

9

8

8

7

8

7

Post-Secondary School other than college

 5

2
3
2
4

2

3

2

Some college
 10

8

8

8

11

8

8

10

College degree
 24

18

23

23

29

25

23

27

Some graduate school
 4

3
3
4
 4

4
6
6
Graduate degree
 46

55

50

49

44

49

47

43

   

Student Estimate of Parents’ Income
 

  2006 2005
2004
2003
Income 
 % %
%
%
$100,000 to $149,999
 16 14
13
17
$75,000 to $99,999
 13 12
14
14
$60,000 to $74,999
 8 8
11
10
$50,000 to $59,999
 8 9
9
7
$30,000 to $39,999
 7 6
6
5
$250,000 or more
 6 6
6
3
$25,000 to $29,999
 5 3
4
2
$40,000 to $49,999
 5 5
8
7
$150,000 to $199,999
 4 6
6
5
Less than $10,000
 4 6
7
3
$10,000 to $14,999
 4 1
2
2
$15,000 to $19,999
 3 4
2
3
$200,000 to $249,999
 3 5
3
4
$20,000 to $24,999
 2 5
3
2

   

Financial Worry
 

  2006 2005
2004
2003
Level of Concern 
 % %
%
%
Some (will probably have enough)
 48 61
53
50
None (confident will have sufficient funds)
 41 29
32
36
Major (not sure will have enough to complete)
 9 10
14
11

   

Students’ Probable Major Field of Study
 

2006 2005 2004 2003
Probable Major
 % % % %
Arts and Humanities
 31.1 28.0
25.2
25.1
Social Science
 24.7 30.1
28.7
20.5
Biological Science
 12.4 9.4
10.3
14.0
Business
 5.7 3.1
3.5
1.8
Professional
 4.6 6.3
4.5
4.1
Education
 2.8 3.8
5.2
5.8
Physical Science
 2.5 2.8
2.6
4.1
Engineering
 1.1 1.4
0.6
1.2
Other Fields
 1.1 9.8
3.5
17.5
Technical
 0.4 0.3
1.6
0.6
Undecided
 0.4 3.5
13.5
2.9
Total
  100 100
100
100

   

Highest Degree Planned to Obtain (Overall)
 

  2006 2005
2004
2003
Degree 
 % %
%
%
Master’s degree (M.A., M.S., etc.)
 32 34
35
34
Ph.D. or Ed.D.
 27 26
30
27
Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.S., etc.)
 19 14
9
9
No Response
 9 14
16
16
M.D., D.O., D.D.S., or D.V.M.
 6 5
5
6
LL.B. or J.D. (Law)
 3 6
2
7
Other
 2 0
2
1
None
 1 1
1
0
B.D. or M.DIV. (Divinity)
 1 1
1
1

 

"Rate yourself on each of the following traits as

compared with the average person your age."
 
 
Area
Highest 10%
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Lowest 10%

Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

Mean* (2004)

Mean* (2003)
Self-understanding
21.1
43.9
30.4
4.3
0.4
2.19
2.16
2.26
2.23
Cooperativeness
19.9
49.8
28.5
1.4
0.4
2.12
2.11
2.16
2.06
Creativity
19.6
41.4
34.6
4.3
0
2.24
2.13
2.28
2.12
Academic ability
18.2
57.9
22.9
1.1
0
2.07
2.04
2.04
1.99
Understanding of others
17.5
49.6
31.8
1.1
0
2.16
2.07
2.04
2.07
Drive to achieve
15
45.7
32.1
7.1
0
2.31
2.21
2.42
2.28
Emotional health
14.9
31.7
39.5
12.8
1.1
2.53
2.63
2.63
2.48
Leadership ability
14.3
37.3
34.1
14
0.4
2.49
2.33
2.43
2.50
Self-confidence (intellectual)
13.2
43.1
35.2
8.2
0.4
2.4
2.29
2.42
2.32
Physical health
11.1
34.1
45.2
9.3
0.4
2.54
2.39
2.51
2.45
Public speaking ability
11
28.3
31.4
22.6
5.7
2.81
2.72
2.72
2.85
Spirituality
10.7
25.7
35.4
18.2
10
2.91
2.78
2.90
2.71
Writing ability
10.4
45.4
35.7
7.5
1.1
2.44
2.28
2.31
2.34
Artistic ability
8.9
28.8
38.1
19.2
5
2.07
2.86
2.85
2.75
Self-confidence (social)
7.8
28.8
41.6
20.6
1.1
2.78
2.72
2.78
2.78
Mathematical ability
7.1
29.3
37.1
23.6
2.9
2.86
2.91
2.96
2.86
Religiousness
5.8
12.2
28.1
26.3
27.7
3.58
3.42
3.51
3.45
Computer Skills
3.2
28.1
49.1
17.1
2.5
2.88
2.99
2.91
2.87

*1=highest 10% to 5=lowest 10%.

   

Activities Engaged in by Students in the Past Year
 
Activity
Frequently (%)
Occasionally (%)
Not at All (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

Mean* (2004)

Mean* (2003)
Used the internet for research
74.3
23.2
2.5
1.28
1.22
1.26
1.23
Socialized with different ethnic groups
65.7
30.4
3.9
1.38
1.23
1.32
1.31
Discussed politics
54.4
39.6
5.3
1.49
Discussed religion
38.5
47
13.4
1.73
1.56
Was bored in class
37.3
53
9.7
1.72
1.65
1.67
1.75
Asked a teacher for advice
29.5
57.9
12.6
1.83
1.88
1.79
1.83
Performed volunteer work
28.9
55
16.1
1.87
1.80
1.74
1.76
Played a musical instrument
28.7
26.2
45.2
2.16
2.21
2.19
2.05
Felt overwhelmed
27.2
60.6
12.2
1.85
1.80
1.78
1.81
Studied with other students
27
53.2
19.8
1.93
1.83
1.92
1.90
Attended religious service
25.7
38.6
35.4
2.15
1.93
2.03
1.96
Voted in a student election
19.4
43.9
36.7
2.17
2.07
2.13
2.14
Performed community service for class
9.4
36.7
54
2.45
2.34
2.38
2.32
Came late to class
9.4
55.2
35.4
2.26
2.20
2.20
2.25
Participated in demonstrations
8.7
44
47.3
2.39
2.25
2.29
2.24
Drank beer
8.6
39.2
52.2
2.44
2.43
2.52
2.47
Felt depressed
8.2
57.1
34.6
2.26
2.22
2.17
2.20
Tutored another student
7.9
41.9
50.2
2.42
2.38
2.37
2.35
Was a guest in a teacher’s home
7.2
28.2
64.6
2.57
2.57
2.50
2.62
Drank wine or liquor
7.2
47.3
45.5
2.38
2.34
2.39
2.39
Smoked cigarettes
5.7
17.5
76.8
2.71
2.71
2.71
2.70

* 1=frequently to 3=not at all.

*Activities that do not show a mean for 2003, 2004, or 2005 indicate a new question to the survey.
 
 

Hours Spent in Certain Activities in the Past Year
 
Activity
Percentage of Students Reporting Each Range of Hours
None
<1 hr 1-2 3-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 >20
Mean (2006)
Mean (2005)
 Mean (2004) Mean (2003)
Socializing with friends
0
3.2
6.7
16.3
27.2
17.3
12.4
15.2
5.4
5.31
5.49
5.33
Studying/Homework
3.2
3.9
16.6
21.6
21.6
12.7
9.2
10.2
4.77
4.69
4.68
4.60
Exercising/sports
4.6
8.5
17.3
26.5
19.4
11.7
6.4
3.9
4.25
4.40
4.27
4.04
Working (for pay)
49.1
3.9
7.4
7.1
11.3
6.7
6
7.4
3.06
3.14
3.31
3.16
Reading
11.3
16.6
29.7
23.3
11.3
3.9
0.7
2.1
3.29
3.51
3.25
3.32
Watching TV
18.7
18.4
20.1
20.8
13.8
2.8
2.5
1.8
3.17
3.14
3.12
3.19
Student clubs
23.7
13.8
26.1
19.8
7.8
2.5
1.4
2.1
2.89
2.97
3.02
3.01
Talking with teachers outside of class
7.4
37.8
35
12.4
3.5
1.4
0
0.7
2.69
2.87
2.82
2.75
Volunteer work
30.7
16.3
26.1
11.7
7.4
2.5
1.1
1.8
2.62
2.91
2.76
2.67
Partying
33.9
15.9
18.4
15.5
9.2
4.2
1.4
0.4
2.67
2.64
2.52
2.58
Child care/ household duties
27.6
21.6
33.9
9.9
3.5
0.7
0.7
0
2.39
2.71
2.48
2.39
Video games
43.8
13.1
17
11.7
3.9
3.5
2.8
3.2
2.53
2.30
2.18
2.16


  *1=none to 8=greater than 20 hours.

 

"In deciding to go to college, how important to you

was each of the following reasons?"
 
Reason
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

Mean* (2004)

Mean* (2003)
To learn more about things that interest me
88.3
9.2
2.5
1.14
1.15
1.09
1.13
To gain a general education and appreciation of ideas
79.4
18.1
2.5
1.23
1.24
1.13
1.23
To make me a more cultured person
59.6
31.6
8.5
1.52
1.50
1.40
1.44
To be able to get a better job
48.9
32.6
18.4
1.7
1.75
1.74
1.78
To prepare myself for graduate or professional school
44.3
37.2
18.4
1.74
1.60
1.66
1.65
To get training for a specific career
35.8
30.5
33.7
1.98
1.96
1.95
2.04
To be able to make more money
35.2
42
22.8
1.88
1.98
1.94
1.96
My parents wanted me to go
24.8
45
30.1
2.05
2.01
2.01
2.12
Wanted to get away from home
20.6
43.6
35.8
2.15
2.10
2.02
2.20
A mentor encouraged me to go
13.1
26.5
59.7
2.45
2.41
There was nothing better to do
7.1
13.5
79.4
2.72
2.72
2.77
2.75
I could not find a job
4.3
5.3
90.4
2.86
2.91
2.92
2.90

*1=very important to 3=not important.

*Reasons that do not show a mean for 2003 or 2004 indicate a new question to the survey.

   
 

Reasons influencing students’ decision to attend Earlham College
 
        Reason
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

   Mean* (2004)

   Mean* (2003)
This college has a good academic reputation
62.5
30.3
7.2
1.45
1.47
1.46
1.51
Wanted to go to a school about this size
56.4
31.4
12.1
1.56
1.51
1.43
1.54
Visit to campus
52.1
27.9
20
1.68
1.59

1.54
 
I was offered financial assistance
47.9
30.5
21.6
1.74
1.76
1.80
1.75
This college has a good reputation for social activities
32.7
42
24.9
1.45
1.93
1.77
1.91
Grads get good jobs
29
44.2
26.8
1.98
1.94
2.03
This college has low tuition
25.8
35.3
37.5
2.09
2.19
2.15
2.74
Grads get admission into top schools
22.6
40.3
35
2.08
1.93
2.09
Information from a website
12.9
45
42.1
2.29
2.20
2.39
2.33
I was admitted through an Early Action or Early Decision program
11.8
12.9
75.4
2.64
2.48
2.66
2.58
I was attracted by the religious affiliation/orientation of the college
11.1
33
55.9
2.45
2.26
2.27
2.30
High school counselor advised me
9.7
22.7
67.1
2.58
2.61
2.58
2.64
Rankings in national magazines
9.4
39.9
50.7
2.41
2.35
2.46
2.49
My teacher advised me
6.9
26.1
67
2.6
2.63
2.59
2.65
My relatives wanted me to come here
6.5
24.2
69.3
2.63
2.56
2.57
2.60
Not offered aid by first choice
6.5
8
85.5
2.79
2.75
2.86
2.82
I wanted to live near home
5.4
16.1
78.5
2.73
2.76
2.76
2.75
Private college counselor advised me
3.2
12.6
84.1
2.81
2.77
2.79
2.81

*1=very important to 3=not important.

*Reasons that do not have a mean for 2003 indicate a new question to the survey.

   

Ratings of Likelihood of Certain Events in College
 
Activity
Very Good Chance (%)
Some Chance (%)
Very Little Chance (%)
No Chance (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

Mean* (2004)

Mean* (2003)
Socialize with other racial groups
83.4
14.1
0.4
1.8
1.2
1.14
1.15
1.16
Be satisfied with your college
64.3
31.1
3.2
1.1
1.4
1.42
1.35
1.31
Make at least a "B" average
61.5
36
1.1
1.1
2.13
1.38
1.33
1.37
Study Abroad
60.8
29.3
6.4
3.2
1.51
1.45
1.45
1.41
Participate in student clubs
56.9
31.1
8.8
2.8
1.57
1.53
1.44
1.45
Communicate with professors
51.6
43.1
3.2
1.1
1.52
1.41
1.41
1.36
Get a job to help pay for college expenses
42.4
33.9
15.5
8.1
1.89
1.73
1.79
1.77
Participate in volunteer or community service work
42
38.9
13.8
4.9
1.81
1.73
1.64
1.59
Change career choice
26.9
43.8
18.7
10.2
2.12
2.08
1.91
1.96
Participate in protests or demonstrations
23.7
39.6
23.3
12.7
2.24
1.96
1.90
1.96
Play varsity/intercollegiate athletics
23.7
18
20.5
37.5
2.71
2.61
2.63
2.59
Change major field
18.7
42.8
27.6
10.6
2.29
2.20
2.05
2.11
Strengthen religious beliefs
17
33.2
29
17
2.4
2.17
2.17
2.17
Seek personal counseling
8.1
30.4
46.3
14.5
2.66
2.50
2.51
2.53
Transfer to another college before graduating
3.9
19.4
46.6
28.6
2.97
2.95
2.92
2.85
Work full time while attending college
1.1
7.8
39.2
50.9
3.38
3.22
3.21
3.18
Join a social fraternity, sorority or club
1.1
4.2
13.1
80.2
3.7
3.72
3.72
3.71

*1=very good chance to 4=no chance.

   
 

Ratings of Importance of Life Objectives
 
Objective
Essential (%)
Very Important (%)
Somewhat Important (%)
Not Important (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)
Improving my understanding of other cultures and countries
42.8
32.2
16.6
6.7
3.07
3.15
Helping others who are in difficulty
29.4
40.4
24.8
5
2.94
3.06
Developing a meaningful life philosophy
34
28.7
20.6
16.7
2.79
2.83
Keeping up to date with political affairs
18.9
36.7
28.1
16.4
2.56
2.62
Helping to promote racial understanding
18.1
30.9
36.5
14.5
2.52
2.71
Influencing social values
17.4
30.2
37
15.3
2.48
2.63
Raising a family
23.6
28.6
27.9
20
2.44
2.69
Becoming an authority in my field
12.1
29.2
39.9
18.9
2.33
2.48
Being very well off financially
13.9
22.9
41.8
21.4
2.28
2.16
Becoming involved in environmental clean-up programs
12.8
25.3
39.5
22.4
2.27
2.29
Participating in a community action program
10.7
24.6
37.4
27.4
2.17
2.38
Influencing the political structure
11.4
21.4
36.3
31
2.12
2.22
Obtaining recognition for contributions to my special field
7.8
19.6
48.4
24.2
2.1
2.31
Becoming a community leader
8.2
21.4
38.1
32.4
2.04
2.28
Creating artistic work
12.4
10.3
26.2
51.1
1.83
1.98
Becoming successful in own business 
8.5
14.6
26.3
50.5
1.8
1.79
Writing original works 
6.4
14.9
29.1
49.6
1.77
1.98
Having administrative responsibility for the work of others
3.2
15
35
46.8
1.73
1.70
Becoming accomplished in performing arts
6.7
11.3
26.9
55.1
1.7
1.81
Theoretically contributing to science
3.6
10
22.1
64.4
1.52
1.66

*1=not important to 4=essential

*Objectives that do not show a mean for 2003 indicate a new question to the survey.

   

Views on Social Issues
 
Issue
Agree Strongly (%)
Agree Somewhat (%)
Disagree Somewhat (%)
Disagree Strongly (%)
Mean* (2006)
Mean* (2005)

Mean* (2004)

Mean* (2003)

Federal government is not doing enough to control environmental pollution
70.7
21.2
6.4
1.4
1.38
Same sex couples should have the right to legal marital status
70.2
16.7
7.8
5.3
1.48
1.51
1.43
1.44
Abortion should be legal
55.9
26.3
10
7.8
1.7
1.63
1.66
1.65
Only volunteers should serve in the armed forces
45.6
31.8
16.3
5.7
1.81
Government should do more to control handguns
45
39.9
11.5
3.6
1.74
1.62
1.54
1.66
The death penalty should be abolished
43.8
23.3
22.1
10.3
1.99
1.93
1.83
1.83
Wealthy people should pay more taxes
43.4
39.8
12.5
4.3
1.78
1.94
1.81
1.92
Dissent is a critical component of the political process
38.9
33.9
18
3.2
1.74
Marijuana should be legalized
19.9
39.9
24.2
16
2.36
2.35
2.20
2.26
An individual can do little to create changes in society
6.4
20.2
40.1
33.3
3
3.18
3.17
3.18
Undocumented immigrants should be denied access to public education
6
12.4
31.4
48.4
3.19
Affirmative action in college admissions should be abolished
5.9
28.5
52.2
13.3
2.73
2.77
2.84
2.76
Colleges should prohibit racist/sexist speech on campus
5.7
20
36.8
37.5
3.06
2.46
2.43
2.52
Too much concern for the rights of criminals
4
20.7
43.8
31.5
3.03
3.09
3.11
3.07
Laws should prohibit homosexual relationships
3.5
3.9
9.9
82.7
3.72
3.69
3.75
3.75
Military spending should be increased
1.8
7.1
30
59.4
3.43
3.50
3.42
3.39
Racial discrimination is no longer a problem in US
1.4
8.2
37.7
52.7
3.42
3.45
3.43
3.46

*1=agree strongly to 4=disagree strongly.

*Issues that do not show a mean for 2003, 2004, or 2005 indicate a new question to the survey.

Supplemental Questions for the 2006 CIRP Survey

Ratings of Likelihood of Certain Events in College
Activity
Very Good Chance (%)
Some Chance (%)

Very Little Chance (%)

No Chance (%)

Mean * (2006)
Get a bachelor's degree
90.8
6.4
0.7
0
1.06
Develop close friendships with other students
88
9.9
0.7
0
1.1
Discuss spiritual matters with your friends while in college
41
33.9
15.2
7.4
1.86
Strengthen your religious beliefs or convictions while in college
17
33.2
29
17
2.4
Participate in a religious group while in college
17.7
21.9
31.8
24
2.53
Drop out of this college temporarily (excluding transferring)
0
5.3
41.7
43.1
3.13
Drop out permanently (exclude transferring)
0
2.5
16.6
70.7
3.46

*1=very good chance to 4=no chance.

Religious Activities Engaged in by Students in the Past Year

Activity
Frequently (%)
Occasionally (%)

Not at all (%)

Mean * (2006)
Read religious scriptures
9.9
38.2
45.2
2.23
Participated in a religious youth group
14.8
21.2
56.9
2.31
Participated in a religious-based community service
10.6
25.8
58
2.37
Participated in a study of religious scriptures
8.8
25.4
59
2.38

*1=frequently to 3=not at all.

Views on Religious Issues

Belief
Agree Strongly (%)
Agree Somewhat (%)

Disagree Somewhat (%)

Disagree Strongly (%)
Mean * (2006)
I believe that spiritual development is important
38.2
39.6
11
9.2
1.87
I have a lot of doubts and questions about religion
33.9
33.2
18.4
11.3
2.01
I believe in the existance of God, a Supreme Being, or a Higher Power
40.6
21.2
15.5
18.4
2.03
I am searching for ways to nurture my spirituality
26.9
34.6
20.1
15.2
2.17
I do not wish to participate in organized religion
31.8
21.2
26.9
17.3
2.24
I look to God, a Supreme Being, or a Higher Power for guidance in my life
20.5
19.1
20.5
36
2.64
It is important for me to maintain religious practices while in college
15.5
21.9
24
35
2.71

*1=agree strongly to 4=disagree strongly.

This report was prepared by George W. Ferriell, Jr., Student Research Assistant, and Mary Ann Weaver - Fall, 2006

weavema@earlham.edu