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Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

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Pan-Canadian Study of First Year College Students - Report 1 Student Characteristics and the College Experience - August 2007


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Executive Summary

Learning and quality postsecondary education are critical for Canada's continued prosperity, particularly in today's global knowledge economy. Colleges and institutes have a pivotal role in postsecondary education in Canada by producing highly qualified graduates for direct entry into the labour market and facilitating transitions into further postsecondary education.

It is recognized that information and data on students attending Canadian colleges and institutes is severely limited. This study, funded by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) begins to address this issue. The study involved two surveys of first year students at colleges and institutes:

  • the Survey at College Entry to identify the characteristics of these students; and
  • the End of First Term Survey to gain an understanding of the nature of their experience during the first term.

A total of 28,992 students completed the Survey at College Entry, from 102 participating colleges and institutes and a total of 17,642 students completed the End of First Term Survey, from 92 participating colleges and institutes. While a large sample of students enrolled in their first year of college was polled in this survey, more than two-thirds of the respondents were from Ontario. Although a substantial number of institutions and respondents were obtained from the Atlantic Provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, those in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia were under-represented. For this reason, overall project findings should not be viewed as representative of first-year college students nationwide. However, until a future study captures a more nationally representative sample, the current findings are the best and most comprehensive description of first-year students in Canadian colleges, institutes, cegeps and university-colleges achieved to date.

This report, the first in a series of three, provides a descriptive overview of the first results of these two surveys. A second report will describe the differences in the profile and experiences of visible minorities, Aboriginal students and new Canadians. The third report will be a longitudinal analysis of the determinants of first term outcomes using data from the over 6,000 students who completed both surveys and grades data submitted by participating colleges and institutes.

Some of the key results from this study are highlighted below:

A Profile of First Year Students at Colleges and Institutes

The college entry survey results provide a first ever profile of students attending Canadian colleges and institutes. The results confirm that colleges and institutes admit students with diverse characteristics, including their demographic and family background and academic, personal and life experiences, particularly since just as many students came to their college or institute from the workforce as from high school.

Students' Skills

Results from both the entry and end of term surveys showed that a significant number of students believed their basic academic and learning skills were weak, in particular for study, test taking and math skills. In addition, an equivalent number reported they could use help in developing these skill areas and would use college services if offered. However, at the end of first term, service use findings showed that a significantly lower percentage of students used services than reported a need.

Students' Goals

In terms of students' educational goals, respondents from both surveys confirmed the labour market focus of college and institute programs as most indicated they enrolled in their program to access a specific occupation or for career advancement. At the same time, significant numbers of students viewed college programs as a stepping-stone to university. Generally, respondent students were decisive in their college goals, were committed to graduating and perceived the benefits of a postsecondary education as many and varied.

Areas of Difficulty

While the largest percentage of students reported their greatest difficulty in college was balancing the demands of their studies with those of work and family, many cited specific difficulties that could have a profound influence on their success. For example, one third reported significant difficulty knowing how to improve their grades. A significant proportion of respondent students were also experiencing financial difficulties as many expressed concerned about financing their studies at college entry and even more expressed this concern at the end of the first term.

It is important to note that despite students' lack of confidence in their skills and uncertainty about the career they would hold after graduation, the majority of students began college confident that they would succeed in their studies and achieve a postsecondary credential.

Students' Experiences and Engagement in College

The findings from the end of term survey provide helpful insights into the experiences of college/institute students during their first semester. The results depict the first term experience as one in which the majority of first year students have positive interactions with other students and faculty. Students also considered their academic experiences to be positive and, overall, survey respondents were very satisfied with their college experience and with their specific institution. Indeed, the majority felt they were gaining the knowledge and skills they needed to be successful in the future.

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Date Modified:
2007-08-29