FSW students reported record satisfaction levels in 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the value, support, and academic experience offered at the college.
Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) students are reporting record levels of satisfaction with their academic experience, according to the college’s 2026 AA Completer Survey. The results reflect growing momentum in student success, retention and completion rates across the institution.
Among the survey’s most significant findings:
- Eighty-five percent of graduating students rated their academic experience at FSW an 8 or higher on a 10-point scale, the highest result since the survey began in 2015.
- More than 82% of students said they received more value than expected for the cost of their education.
- Eighty percent said they are likely to recommend FSW to friends or family members.
“These findings reflect FSW’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and student success,” said Dr. Judith Bilsky, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our faculty and staff remain focused on helping students achieve their academic goals while preparing them for continued education, meaningful careers and long-term success.”
The AA Completer Survey is conducted each spring among prospective associate in arts graduates before commencement ceremonies to capture student feedback while experiences remain fresh. It’s become an important tool for institutional planning and program evaluation, helping college leadership and faculty evaluate effectiveness and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
Student Success Momentum Continues
College leaders believe the strong results reflect broader progress happening across the institution. FSW has experienced record-setting retention gains during the past academic year, while graduation rates continue to rise.
“FSW has been focusing intensively on strategic enrollment management over the past three years,” said Dr. Ian Neuhard, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “Clearly, these efforts are paying off in increased satisfaction, retention and completion rates.”
The survey also found that students increasingly recognize the value of their education at FSW, reinforcing the college’s ongoing focus on affordability, accessibility and student support services.
“Last year’s fall-to-fall retention rate for new associate degree-seeking students was the highest we have seen in the past 10 years,” explained Neuhard. “This is a strong indication that FSW students are satisfied with the quality, affordability, and accessibility of the AA degree program and courses at FSW.”
More Than a Satisfaction Survey
While the survey highlights positive student experiences, college faculty say its value extends far beyond reporting statistics.
According to Dr. Brian Page, dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the results help faculty and administrators assess the relevance of the college’s curriculum and determine whether students remain engaged and on track to complete their degrees on time.
“The associate in arts degree is designed to provide students with the breadth of knowledge and skills necessary to prepare them for future careers in multiple fields of study,” said Page. “As a result, student feedback is essential to ensuring the academic quality, relevance and overall satisfaction of their educational experience.”
Each summer, the findings become a key component of Program Review meetings conducted by the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Effectiveness (Team AASPIRE) and academic leadership, helping guide conversations around curriculum, student support, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Rather than serving as a standalone satisfaction survey, the AA Completer Survey has evolved into an active decision-making tool that helps shape student success strategies across the college.
“We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and ensuring students have a meaningful educational experience that prepares them for what comes after graduation,” added Page.
As faculty and administrators prepare for summer Program Review meetings, the 2026 survey results provide both positive student feedback and actionable insights to guide future academic planning and support student success.