8R4 Comparative Results

STI has developed comparison groups through the IPEDS data system that includes all the South Dakota public post-secondary universities and technical institutes. This has allowed STI to benchmark its performance with other higher education organizations in the region.

As shown in Table 8.5, STI compares favorably with other South Dakota public institutes (two and four year) in two of the three areas. STI is developing ways to improve its fall to fall retention rates; however, STI’s graduation rates are consistent with area institutions, and STI’s continued low tuition and fees provide students with an excellent education at a low cost.

Table 8.5 IPEDS Data Comparisons

Comparison Category	STI Results	South Dakota Area Mean
Fall to Fall Retention Rates – first-time, full-time degree seeking – fall 2008	56%	76%
Graduation Rates – first-time, full-time, degree seeking – 2005 cohort	47%	46%
Tuition and Fees – first-time, full-time, degree seeking – 2008-2009	$3,054	$5,808

At the state level, the South Dakota Board of Education requires that the four technical institutes provide yearly data elements that allow for comparison among the four institutes.

Table 8.6 State Board of Education Comparisons

Comparison Category	STI Results	Tech Institute Mean
Fall to Fall Retention Rates (state retention definition) 2008 to 2009	68%	76%
Enrollments Fall 2009	2489	1154
Graduate Placement Rates – Employed 2008 Graduates	96%	97%

Programs requiring certifications or licensures for students are able to make comparisons to national pass rates. STI’s pass rates for these programs in comparison to national standards are detailed in Table 1.8 in section 1R 3 .

Student satisfaction rates are measured using the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory . STI consistently ranks above the national mean in a majority of the categories.

Table 8.7 STI to National SSI Comparison in Major Categories

Survey Major Categories	STI	National Mean	Difference
Student Centeredness	5.41	5.34	.07*
Instructional Effectiveness	5.43	5.38	.05
Responsiveness to Diverse Pops.	5.32	5.43	-.11**
Campus Support Services	5.10	4.94	.16***
Safety and Security	5.09	4.97	.12**
Academic Advising/Counseling	5.44	5.19	.25***
Admissions and Financial Aid	5.25	5.10	.15***
Academic Services	5.25	5.42	-.17***
Registration Effectiveness	5.37	5.39	-.02
Service Excellence	5.31	5.23	.08*
Concern for the Individual	5.37	5.21	.16***
Campus Climate	5.38	5.27	.11***

*significant at .05 level; **significant at .01 level; ***significant at the .001 level

Details are discussed in 3R 3 .