College success isn't about where you go

THE ONE THING

WHERE you go to college is NOT the most important factor when gauging overall success and well-being after graduation. According to the Gallup-Purdue Index there are six experiences that correlate with satisfaction and college success. 

• Having at least one professor who made them excited about learning

• Feeling professors cared about them as a person

• Having a mentor who encouraged them to pursue goals and dreams

• Working on a project that took a semester or more to complete

• Having an internship or job that allowed them to apply what they were learning in the classroom

• Being extremely active in extracurricular activities and organizations during college.

• View more about the data behind understanding college success and happiness on the Harlan Cohen Podcast

A DEEPER DIVE

Unlock Federal, State, and Institutional Aid with the 2025-2026 FAFSA

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