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Abstract
This study sought to contribute to an understanding of the factors influencing college choice of students entering university-affiliated flight programs. Specifically, the study investigated college characteristics, information types, sources of influence and recruitment programs and strategies to determine the level of importance and influence each construct had on the college choice process.
This study was conducted at the College of Technology and Aviation at Kansas State University during April 2003. A survey questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature and administered to 147 students enrolled in the Airway-Science Professional Pilot program to determine what factors influenced a student's decision to enter the flight program. Survey data was analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential statistics to determine if differences existed among students by family income, gender, residency status and academic ability.
Twenty-eight univariate analysis of variance were conducted for each of the independent variables in the study. The dependent variables consisted of academic characteristics, financial considerations, flight program characteristics, fixed college characteristics, information sources, sources of influence and recruitment programs and strategies. There were no significant findings between any of the variables in the study.
Academic program characteristics and flight program characteristics were considered most important to the students in the sample. In addition, the importance of the campus visit in the college search process was confirmed. This is congruent with current college choice research. Findings suggest the web has increased in importance as a recruitment strategy and is considered nearly as influential as printed pieces in the recruitment funnel. Recommendations and implications for enrollment management professionals associated with university flight programs are provided.
