New York, NY – A recent study conducted by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), with support from Lumina Foundation, offers a refreshing perspective on what students truly value in their college experience: quality teaching. 

Contrary to the common belief that students are primarily interested in easy grades, the research highlights that they deeply appreciate instructors who communicate clearly, engage them in meaningful ways, and provide genuine support.

“Lumina is committed to enhancing the student experience by ensuring colleges understand and meet students' evolving needs,” said Chris Mullin of Lumina Foundation. “This study with ACUE shows that students don’t just want passing grades—they want real engagement, clarity, and support from their instructors to succeed.”

The study, which used survey responses from over 1,300 students across 22 higher education institutions, underscores that effective teaching is not just about clearly conveying subject matter—it is also about supporting and actively engaging students. The results show that students are more likely to recommend professors who help them navigate challenging concepts, offer clear expectations, and create an environment where they feel supported.

What exactly makes a professor stand out?

• Clarity is Key: 40 percent of students emphasized the importance of instructional clarity, praising professors who could simplify complex topics and provide transparent guidance on their expectations. 
• Active Learning Matters: Students also gravitated toward professors who engaged them with interactive methods. Nearly a third commented on whether instructors brought real-world relevance into the classroom and actively engaged students.
• Support Makes a Difference: A quarter of students focused on how much support instructors provided. Instructors were appreciated for their responsiveness, offering additional resources and guidance, and showing genuine care for student success.

The research further revealed that these preferences varied among different student demographics. Latino students, for instance, placed a stronger emphasis on instructor support, while Black students were more likely to focus on factors beyond clarity. Additionally, older students and those attending Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) tended to give higher ratings to their instructors compared to those at other institutions, as well as to their younger peers.

With this data in hand, colleges and universities have a pathway to strengthen the student learning experience. By prioritizing professional development for faculty—especially in the areas of clear communication and student engagement—institutions can ensure their students receive the high-quality instruction they seek.

"This study makes clear that students value high-quality instruction and the support they receive from their professors," said ACUE CEO Paul Skordilis. “When institutions provide the training and support for faculty to be better teachers in the classroom, students are more likely to excel–and they know it.”

The data also point to key trends: Non-tenure track instructors and those with fewer years of experience received higher recommendation scores than their tenure-track and more experienced colleagues, on average. Additionally, online and hybrid course formats brought increased attention to the clarity of expectations and feedback, further emphasizing the importance of effective communication in all teaching settings.

For more information about the study and its implications for higher education, and to hear reactions directly from students and instructors, join ACUE’s webinar on Thursday, November 14, 2025. Registration is free.