Ben--

Wow...good question! There is actually a great deal of statistical data and research that has been done on this topic over the years. I can't say that I have a specific set of data that I can provide, but I will give you a few resources to look for:

1. The Journal of College Student Development...this journal is published regularly by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). In the journal, you'll find all types of statistics on this topic...in a very wide range. Most universities seem to subscribe to the journal and you can do a search for the types of at your library, probably the best source would be ERIC or a Silverplatter search on CD rom. Of course, the old fashioned way of looking through the journal listings in the reference section will work too ;)

2. The NASPA Journal, put out by The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators is another good resource. Similar to the one mentioned above.

3. The websites for these organizations might also give you some leads to people that might have the information you're seeking. NASPA's homepage is www.naspa.org and ACPA's is www.acpa.nche.edu . Both of these organizations have specific "committees" (they'll use different names for it) that directly work on residential life issues and should be able to provide you with resources.

4. The Student Affairs Virtual Compass, another website at www.StudentAffairs.com might also lead you in the direction you're looking for. It has specific housing areas, as well.

I can't say for sure that any of these sites will have statistics directly listed, like the journals most likely will. If you can't seem to find the journals available in your local library, you might want to talk to your supervisor or another person in the leadership of your department...most people in the field tend to be involved in at least one of the organizations and receives the journals as part of their membership.

Best of luck! If I can help any further, please let me know!

Steve

Steve Crudup
Resident Director, O'Connor Hall
Dickinson Community
Binghamton University

"Research has shown that residence hall students have higher grade point averages, take more units, and are more likely to persevere to earn their degree." (Astin 1993)

There are stats. out there I just do not have them at my fingertips. Astin is a great place to start for basic stats.

Take care,
Mark
Mark J. Rameker
Residence Hall Coordinator
San Diego State University

Both of these books are essential in a Higher education program. Ernie and Pat's (Terenzini and Pascarella's) book summarize the research done independently by institutions or foundations from the 50's to the 70's and is organized by stimuli--ie how does being in a fraternity effect: retention, grades, development, etc.

Alexander Astin's book, What Matter's in College, is a compilation of the research HE DID in the past 25 years--his is likely the most research since it was nation wide and very, very, very clear.
Editor's Note: Both of these books are available in the ResidentAssistant.com Bookstore