by Rich Stratton, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Cedarville University has outperformed national averages in the most recent Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI), ranking higher in every category compared to students at private universities across the United States. The survey, which evaluates 73 elements of student experience, reveals that Cedarville excels in both academic and campus life areas, reflecting the university's strong commitment to academic excellence and spiritual growth.
Dr. Marcus Leeds, associate vice president of academics, highlights that the results align with the university's mission of transforming lives through education and discipleship.
“The survey confirms that Cedarville students experience a rich, Christ-centered education while receiving exceptional academic and spiritual support,” said Leeds.
Overall, Cedarville students reported significantly higher satisfaction than the national average. According to the data, 77% of Cedarville students expressed being satisfied or very satisfied with their overall college experience, compared to just 54% nationally. Additionally, 82% of students said they would choose Cedarville again if given the chance, well above the 60% national average.
The survey identified 18 areas where Cedarville excels according to students. These strengths include:
- The campus staff are caring and helpful.
- The campus is safe and secure for all students.
- My academic advisor is concerned about my success.
- I am able to experience intellectual growth here.
- There is a commitment to academic excellence on this campus.
- This institution has a good reputation within the community.
Cedarville students particularly appreciated the personal support they received from academic advisors, reflecting the university’s focus on helping students thrive in their studies and in their faith.
The survey also highlighted students' satisfaction with Cedarville’s focus on biblical discipleship. Key areas include:
- Being on this campus is contributing to my spiritual growth.
- My understanding of God is being strengthened by classroom and/or campus experiences.
- Faculty, administrators, and staff are helpful in processing issues related to my faith.
These results demonstrate Cedarville’s successful integration of academic excellence with spiritual development. Students not only excel academically but also deepen their faith.
Cedarville saw significant improvements across the board as compared to the already above average results from the previous biennial survey. This upward trend demonstrates the university's dedication to continuous improvement. For example, satisfaction with campus parking, which had previously been lower, saw a notable increase after the addition of more parking spaces. Similarly, food services showed improvement, with satisfaction rising from a neutral score of 4.19 to a positive score of 5.11.
The high rankings in the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory reaffirm Cedarville’s position as a leader in providing a holistic, Christ-centered educational experience. With students expressing exceptional satisfaction in both academic and spiritual areas, Cedarville continues to stand out among private universities. The ongoing feedback from the survey will guide future efforts to ensure the university remains a place where students are not only academically successful but spiritually strengthened.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.