A COMPARISON OF EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT METHODS OF IN-STATE AND OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AT WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine which of the current recruiting methods employed by the Department of Agricultural Sciences at West Texas A&M University are most effective in attracting in-state and out-of-state students. Chapman’s Model of Student College Choice served as the theoretical framework for this study. The target population of this descriptive study was identified as undergraduate students enrolled in the Department of Agricultural Sciences as West Texas A&M University. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, data was collected via Qualtrics survey from students claiming a major within the Department of Agricultural Sciences. The instrument used in data collection was adapted from Wildman (1997). Relative to Chapman, the survey looked to measure student characteristics, external influences, and recruiting methods. A seven point Likert type scale, rank order, selections, and short answers were used to capture the data needed. Key external influences upon student college choice found in this study included on and off camp visits, personal conversation with departmental faculty and representatives, parents, and affordability of attendance. Recommendations were made toward collection of longitudinal data in this area as well as best practices to deal with the future growing population of both in-state and out-of-state students.