Surveying 1,443 students, the findings identified easily achievable opportunities for institutions to meet the needs of prospective students.

A degree in finance from some of the country's most esteemed private institutions can earn a student at least $30,000 more than the median B.A. graduate earns, according to data collected by Looking Glass Institute.

It behooves most colleges and universities to analyze the financial contribution of their student-athletes by sports teams. Adding or removing a team could substantially impact an institution's tuition revenue, financial aid, and instructional expenses.

For high schoolers who are still eager to enroll in college, both parents and students are more motivated to apply to a college or university whose programs best align with students' career interests, not the academic reputation of the school.