Do Alumni of Online Programs Give More Than Alumni of On-campus Programs?
This multi-institutional study examined the giving patterns of alumni of online degree programs as compared to alumni of campus-based degree programs. Similarities and differences were statistically examined relative to the act of giving as well as the amount given to the respective institution by alumni within three years of the most recent degree conferred.
Five institutions participated in this study. Results suggest that alumni of online degree programs tended to donate early after graduation. In the case of one institution, alumni of online programs donated up to 12 percent more than alumni of on-campus programs within the first three years of most recent degree earned at the institution. In contrast, alumni of on-campus degree programs tended to donate over a longer period time than did alumni of online programs.
Five institutions expressed interest in participating in the study but were unable to participate due to lack of data segmentation. One recommendation of this study is that institutions develop effective ways to identify students in online programs so that alumni relations and development officers can effectively track those students as alumni after they graduate.
