More than 80 percent of IST students who completed the survey indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with their formal academic experiences. This was the highest satisfaction rating of any academic unit at University Park, according to survey results.

The survey, completed by 3,770 randomly selected students at 20 Penn State locations, asked undergraduates to rate their overall satisfaction with the University as well as with the quality of education. Overall satisfaction was measured by the percentage of students who said they would choose to attend Penn State again. IST had the second highest satisfaction rate at 92.2 percent.

In other measures, IST students have a stronger sense of belonging than undergraduates university-wide. IST undergraduates also gave classroom/lab facilities high marks as well as the use of technology in classes. Four out of five IST students who completed the survey said they were satisfied with the use of technology in classes.

IST also did well in giving students the courses they need to make progress toward a degree, according to the survey. Almost 7 out of 10 IST undergraduates indicated they were satisfied with the availability of courses.

IST students also are more involved in student clubs and organizations than their peers in other academic units and rated highly those activities for improving communication skills, interpersonal effectiveness and ability to work on group projects.