The research documented conclusively that Lutheran colleges are more effective than large public institutions in producing three broad career and life outcomes:
| BETTER CAREER PREPARATION means being ready for the job market. It also means developing skills and values that enable people to advance in a career, to change career direction, and to exert a positive influence in any workplace. |
| How effective was your college in helping you develop the following? (rating 4 or 5 on a five-point scale) |
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| Writing effectively: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
78% |
| Public University Graduates |
65% |
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| Speaking effectively: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
72% |
| Public University Graduates |
66% |
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| Teamwork skills: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
70% |
| Public University Graduates |
53% |
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| Leadership: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
66% |
| 50% |
« Public University Graduates |
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| ^top^ |
| A STRONGER SET OF VALUES. When asked what is most important in their current lives and careers, Lutheran college graduates differ significantly from their counterparts from public universities. |
| How important is it to you to. . . (rating a 5 on a five-point scale, where 1=not at all important and 5=extremely important) |
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| Raise a family: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
85% |
| Public University Graduates |
81% |
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| Be free to consider the moral and ethical sides of decisions: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
92% |
| Public University Graduates |
85% |
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| Integrate faith with other aspects of life: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
76% |
| 53% |
« Public University Graduates |
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| Promote racial equality or social justice issues: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
76% |
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| Public University Graduates |
65% |
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| How effective was your college in helping you... (rating a 4 or 5 on a five-point scale, where 1=not at all effective) |
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| Develop moral principles that can guide actions: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
77% |
| 35% |
« Public University Graduates |
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| Have a sense of purpose in life: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
74% |
| Public University Graduates |
55% |
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| ^top^ |
| GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITIES AND CHURCHES. Involvement and leadership are necessary for communities to exist. Lutheran college graduates are significantly more likely to contribute to the life and health of their communities. |
| In the past five years, have you been involved with: (percentage who answered "yes") |
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| Foundations or non-profit organizations: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
76% |
| Public University Graduates |
67% |
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| Elementary or secondary schools: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
59% |
| 48% |
« Public University Graduates |
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| Church or religious organization: |
| Lutheran College Graduates |
81% |
| Public University Graduates |
57% |
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