Home / Surveys / HBCU Student Retention Survey Surveys HBCU Student Retention Survey ByAdmin April 14, 2026April 27, 2026 Section 1: Background Information What is your current classification? FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSeniorGraduate Student What is your major? What is your ZIP code? What is your age? What is your sex? MaleFemalePrefer not to answer What is your desired degree? CertificationAssociatesBachelorsMastersDoctoral Are you currently enrolled full-time or part-time? Full-timePart-time Is this your first college/university? YesNo Section 2: College Choice & Experience Why did you choose to attend this university? (Select all that apply) LocationCost/affordabilityAcademic programsFamily influenceHBCU experience/cultureScholarships/financial aidAthleticsOther If other, please specify Before enrolling, how prepared did you feel for college? Very preparedSomewhat preparedNeutralSlightly unpreparedVery unprepared How would you describe your overall college experience so far? Amazing — I feel supported, inspired, and part of a strong communityGood — mostly positive with meaningful connections and growthOkay — some great moments, some challenges, still finding my placeChallenging — I’ve faced obstacles that impact my experienceDifficult — I’m struggling to feel connected or supported Section 3: Barriers & Challenges What challenges have you faced while attending college? (Select all that apply) Financial difficultiesAcademic strugglesMental health/stressFamily responsibilitiesLack of support systemHousing/transportation issuesWork obligationsCampus environmentOther If other, please specify Which of the following has been the BIGGEST barrier to your success? Financial challenges — tuition, housing, or other costsBalancing responsibilities — work, family, or personal commitmentsAcademic pressures — coursework, expectations, or time managementMental health or stress‑related challengesLimited access to resources or support servicesCampus climate or feeling a lack of belongingLegacy expectations — pressure to uphold family, community, or cultural traditionsOther (please specify) If other, please specify Section 4: Retention Factors Have you ever considered leaving school? YesNo What would make you consider leaving your university? (Select all that apply) Financial stressAcademic difficultyLack of support/resourcesFeeling disconnected or isolatedPoor campus environmentFamily/personal issuesBetter opportunity elsewhereOther If other, please specify If you have considered leaving your HBCU, which option best describes what you were considering? Transferring to another college or universityTaking a break (temporary stop) with plans to return to college laterLeaving college entirely with no plans to returnNot sure yet — still exploring my optionsPrefer not to say What motivates you to stay in school? (Select all that apply) A strong sense of community and belongingSupportive faculty, staff, or mentors who invest in my successCultural pride and connection to Black history, identity, and traditionAcademic programs or opportunities that fit my goalsFriendships, organizations, or campus involvement that keep me engagedPersonal growth and confidence I’ve gained hereFinancial aid or scholarships that make staying possibleOther (please specify) If other, please specify: Which of the following support systems have helped you MOST? Academic advisingTutoring servicesMentorship programsFriends/peer supportFaculty relationshipsCounseling/mental health servicesStudent organizationsOther If other, please specify Section 5: Support & Resources What type of support (besides financial aid) would help you stay in school? (Select all that apply) Mentorship programsCareer guidance/internshipsMental health resourcesAcademic tutoringTime management/study skills trainingStronger faculty engagementPeer support groupsFlexible scheduling/optionsChildcare servicesOther If other, please specify In which areas do you feel most supported by your HBCU? (Select all that apply) Academic support — faculty, tutoring, advising, or help with courseworkEmotional support — mentors, counselors, or people who check in on my well‑beingCultural support — feeling affirmed, represented, and connected to Black history and identityFinancial support — scholarships, grants, emergency aid, or guidance on managing costsSocial support — friendships, student organizations, or a sense of belonging in the campus communityI do not feel supported in any of these areasOther (please specify) If other, please specify: Section 6: Improvement & Feedback If you could change one thing about your HBCU to encourage retention, what would it be? Campus resources — more access to advising, tutoring, or career servicesFinancial support — increased scholarships, grants, or emergency aidCampus facilities — improvements to housing, classrooms, or technologyCommunication — clearer updates, transparency, or responsiveness from administrationCampus culture — stronger sense of community, belonging, or student engagementAcademic programs — more majors, courses, or internship opportunitiesStudent life — more events, organizations, or leadership opportunitiesOther (please specify) If other, please specify What programs or services do you wish your university offered or expanded? (Select all that apply) More internship or career‑readiness programsExpanded mental health and wellness servicesAdditional academic support — tutoring, writing centers, study labsMore financial literacy or money‑management workshopsStronger alumni networking or mentorship programsMore culturally centered programs (e.g., Black entrepreneurship, arts, history, or leadership)Expanded campus life opportunities — clubs, organizations, or recreational activitiesMore support for first‑generation or transfer studentsImproved technology resources — labs, software, or equipment accessOther (please specify) If other, please specify: What advice would you give to university leaders to help students graduate? (Select all that apply) Improve communication and transparency with studentsIncrease financial support — scholarships, grants, or emergency aidInvest in campus facilities, housing, and technologyStrengthen academic advising, tutoring, and faculty engagementExpand mental health and wellness servicesCreate more opportunities for student leadership and involvementPrioritize culturally centered programming and traditionsListen to student voices and include us in decision‑makingOther (please specify) If other, please specify: Section 7: Final Thoughts What keeps you motivated to continue your education? (Select all that apply) My goals for my future career and financial stabilitySupport from family, mentors, or the campus communityPride in attending an HBCU and continuing a legacy of Black excellencePersonal growth and the desire to better myselfAcademic programs or opportunities that align with my goalsFriendships, organizations, or involvement that keep me engagedScholarships or financial aid that make it possible to stayA desire to be a role model for my family or communityOther (please specify) If other, please specify: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?
