University rankings no longer among the top 3 factors affecting students’ choices, says 2022 IC3 Institute Student Quest Survey

Hyderabad, India, August 25, 2022: The 2022 IC3 Institute Student Quest Survey Report revealed that program details, financial aid/scholarship information, and potential job opportunities were the top 3 factors affecting student choices when choosing a university. The report was launched at the Annual International Career & College Counseling (IC3) Conference at the Hyderabad International Convention Center on 24 August 2022. 

This year, the university ranking slipped to sixth place with 29% from the last year’s second place, while students favored other factors like program details (51%), financial aid/scholarship information(51%), life on campus (38%), and potential job opportunities (45%) over university rankings. 

It is surprising to know that almost 49% of students do not have access to college and career counseling. The lack of purpose and direction in young students’ lives concerns their future and the entire generation. 

Overall, 92% of the students who had access to a counselor found their interactions valuable and helpful. In addition, almost 59% of students with counseling felt that their counselors had played a vital role in making them aware and better prepared for the transition from school to university. 

Further, the report revealed that the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada continue to be the top 3 international study destinations. Universities worldwide witnessed an increase in student applications in the last two years (80%), and in their regional representation. However, the percentage increase in enrolments has been only 47%, indicating the need for timely and correct guidance to alleviate the stress on students of multiple applications. The programs with an increased demand are data science, analytics, and humanities programs. Around 77% of the students agreed that financial budgeting information is essential in finalizing college choices, but only 23% of students were privy to this critical information. 

Conducted annually by the IC3 Institute, U.S., the primary objective of the annual survey is to ensure that career and college counseling is data-driven, rooted in rigorous scientific research, addresses the student’s critical needs, and adequately supports the stakeholders involved. More than 10,000 students, 1,100 counselors, and 110 universities from approximately 75 countries participated in the survey.

“The survey findings reveal trends and patterns, which are essential for students, families, counselors, schools, universities, and governments to plan for the most suitable measures and interventions. These plans can then establish an ecosystem that ensures informed and judicious decision-making, supporting our youth for a purposeful and fulfilling life ahead,” said Amrita Ghulati, Director – Academics, IC3 Institute, U.S. 

The report was launched during the opening plenary of the 2022 Annual IC3 Conference (Hybrid). The conference is an effort by the IC3 Movement that brings together higher education representatives for a collaborative dialogue on practices that drive sustainable and inclusive counseling practices focused on student success. Through education and training in collaboration with leaders across high schools, universities, educational organizations, and industry, IC3 works to provide solutions and opportunities so that young people can get the career and college counseling they need for purpose and direction in their lives. This year’s theme of the conference is “Access,” which means bringing the educational community together by prioritizing access to information, research, and professional development. The theme-based hybrid conference enables access and inclusivity for educators all around the world. 

The conference hosted more than 1,250 participants (in-person and virtually) worldwide, including senior leadership and counselors from high schools, universities, and organizations. Before the conference, IC3 Movement had organized a Presidential Forum, which brought together presidents and senior educators of educational institutions and business, industry, and governmental leaders from around the world. 

Renowned personalities, such as DevduttPattanaik (Mythologist, Author, Illustrator), Anil Srinivasan (Pianist, Composer, Music Educator), and Aravinda de Silva (Former Sri Lankan Cricketer, Team Captain, 1996 Cricket World Cup Winner) graced the conference with an appearance.