Publication Authors:
Heather Malin
Publication Year:
2023
Discussion about: What are college students after? What do they report when asked to describe their most important life goals? Our recent study finds that most students are seeking to contribute to the lives of others and live a meaningful life. In short, they are seeking a life of purpose. College students who are driven by a beyond-the-self purpose are more likely to graduate, yet fewer than half of students identify such a purpose. With enrollment declining and too many students leaving college before they graduate, supporting purpose development offers a way to motivate student engagement and improve student retention.
