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University of Wisconsin is definitely doing something right despite contrary views from certain vocal critics. Between the age group of 25 and 39, a national survey conducted on the young alumni of this college, 94% of them think that their college education was definitely worth the time and money spent. Out of these, 92% think that the fee charged by the institution for college education is fair.

According to the American Council on Education Senior Vice President Terry Hartle, the national survey results are stunning indeed. Overall, nationally, about 76% students think that their colleges charged a fair price.

At the System Board of Regents meeting at UW, the survey results were presented by Hartle. This meeting was conducted at the UW Madison campus’ Memorial Union. He however pointed out that the survey was conducted among alumni and most of them may not have had to experience the impact of the recent phenomenal rise in tuition fee we have experienced in the past couple of years. 

Between 2001 and 2010, rise in average tuition and mandatory fee at the UW Madison range between 5.3 percent and 16.1 percent for in-state undergraduates. This shows that the average hike is about nine percent. For an in-state undergrad, the average one year cost at the UW Madison that includes fees and tuition, room and board, travel, books and supplies and other miscellaneous expenses is an estimated $21,000.

According to Hartle, the fact that overwhelming 98% alumni have favorable impression about their alma mater is indeed encouraging. Survey was conducted among four hundred alumni from each university that participated in it. Median responses from 11 institutions determine the UW system results.

Alumni graduating from UW System’s four year campus were surveyed too which revealed interesting findings.

85% of the surveyed four year campus alumni felt that with regard to skill and knowledge required by them, the college prepared them very effectively.

81% alumni felt that if they were given a chance to go back to college, they will choose UW all over again.

74% alumni strongly believe that American universities and colleges are indeed equipped to meet future challenges with regard to higher education and global opportunities.

69% feel that future demands are being met by universities and colleges who are preparing students well enough to face global job challenges.

The ACE survey national figures will be released shortly. There was no campus by campus breakdown of results released by the UW. Kevin Reilly, President of the UW System feels that these figures must be necessarily brought to the notice of the governor-elect. He opined that this data has been collected directly from every single district in the state stating how positive and important alumni students felt their UW experience was.

This is indeed an encouraging sign and more universities and colleges can emulate such examples to provide high quality education even amidst the most challenging situation today. It is the need of the hour for every higher education institution around the country to devise innovative methods to balance budget and quality of education as they prepare students to face future challenges.