2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment Research Questions and Design Rationale

Appendix I 2017 NSCG Contact Strategies.pdf

2017 National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG)

2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment Research Questions and Design Rationale

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APPENDIX I

2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment
Research Questions and
Design Rationale

2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment Research Questions
and Design Rationale
Background Information on Contact Strategies
One of the most important design decisions of a survey is the contact strategy. It makes potential
respondents aware of the survey and gives them a means to respond. Research has shown that
the type, timing, and number of contacts (Dillman et al., 2000) as well as the level of
personalization (Cook, Heath, Thompson, 2000) can influence a respondent’s decision to
participate in a survey. Unfortunately, there is no definitive “best strategy” for survey designers
to use. The strategy that will be most effective for a particular survey will depend on many
factors, including the target population, the sponsor, and the mandatory status of the survey. We
do, however, have guidelines that can help determine what features of different contacts tend to
be successful in different modes. These guidelines can be used to create one or more contact
strategies that can be tested and refined to efficiently maximize response rates within the
survey’s cost constraints.
In mixed mode surveys like the NSCG, Dillman and his colleagues (2014) emphasize the
importance of contacting sample cases in multiple modes, such as mail, email, and telephone.
Using multiple modes increases the likelihood the message will be received. People often delete
email messages from unknown sources and do not answer calls from unrecognized phone
numbers. Nichols (2012) found that over half of the nonrespondents in the American Community
Survey (ACS) either did not remember receiving mail contacts or did not open them. Contacting
sample cases through multiple modes can make the survey more familiar, increasing the chances
one of the contacts will be received, while also legitimizing the survey.
Even when using multiple contact modes, it is valuable to consider the guidelines for each mode.
In many cases, these guidelines overlap. For example, in all modes it is essential that contacts
are unique and present only the pertinent information. In their 2009 book, Dillman and his
colleagues state, “Perhaps more important than whether three, four, or five contacts are used is
that each communication differs from the previous one and conveys a sense of appropriate
renewal of an effort to communicate.” This includes changing the look and feel of the materials
as well as the message across contacts, as sending the same message repeatedly is unlikely to
make someone change their mind about responding (Dillman et al., 2014). Each contact should
emphasize what needs to be done and why it is important. Different reasons for participation are
salient to different people, so it is important to identify what those reasons are and mention them
in different messages.
In 2014, the ACS worked with a contractor to evaluate all of its mailing materials using focus
groups, cognitive interviews, and visual testing (Walker, 2015). The main findings from this
research were that it is important to use visual devices, including callout boxes and bolding to
highlight important, actionable information, like a URL or deadline, or it is more likely to be
missed. Similar to what Dillman and his colleagues found, the ACS participants also indicated
they wanted to know and understand how responding benefits them and their communities
(Dillman et al., 2009) and said that if messages or mailing packages are repetitive, have too
much information, or appear too cluttered, they are more likely to disregard them (Dillman et al.,
2014). While this research focused on mail contacts, the general principles apply to all modes.

Contacts should be non-repetitive, inform sample cases how to respond and why they should
respond, and emphasize pertinent information.
In other cases, however, the guidelines are more mode-specific. For mail surveys, Dillman and
his colleagues (2000) originally recommended the five-contact mailing strategy: prenotice letter,
questionnaire, postcard, replacement questionnaire, and final reminder. Other surveys, like the
NSCG and ACS, have taken this model and tweaked it to accommodate a web push strategy, by
replacing the first questionnaire with a request to complete the survey online. More recently,
however, Dillman and his colleagues (2014) are questioning the overall effectiveness of the
prenotice letter, as there is no call to action, and have recommended replacing that contact with
an additional reminder, later in the contact strategy. Both the 2012 National Census Test and the
ACS experimented with this new strategy in the presence of an internet push approach. The
2012 National Census Test found that sending an additional reminder in place of a prenotice
letter had a slightly lower internet response rate (0.9 percent), but the difference was not
statistically significant. The ACS also saw a small, significant, negative effect from removing
the prenotification of 1.7 percent for internet response. However, after the data collection
activities across all modes (paper, phone, and personal visit) were completed, there was no
significant difference in the overall response rate. Both the Census and ACS opted to eliminate
the prenotification due to the cost savings (Murphy and Roberts, forthcoming; U.S. Census
Bureau, 2014). Dillman and his colleagues (2014) do mention that prenotifications are
particularly important in surveys that are contracted to another organization for data collection to
explain the connection to the sponsor. While this may be applicable for the new portion of the
NSCG sample, the returning sample is already familiar with the sponsor and the survey, so
eliminating the prenotice letter may have no effect.
While some surveys have modified the mail survey guidelines to include offering an internet
option, many internet surveys prefer to invite sample cases via email instead of mail. Email
invitations allow respondents to click a hyperlink that takes them directly to the survey and, in
some cases, contains a userid for an easier login process. The guidelines for email notifications
are very similar to those for mail surveys (Dillman et al., 2014). Many survey administrators
like to use email contacts because they are very cheap, but they are not particularly effective, as
compared to mail invitations (Kaplowitz et al., 2004; Shih and Fan, 2008; Leece et al., 2004).
For example, Kaplowitz and his colleagues (2004) obtained a response rate of 20.7 percent when
contacting students via email and 31.5 percent when using mail contacts. These researchers
compared mail contacts for a paper survey to email contacts for a web survey. However, when
Kaplowitz added a mail postcard to the email treatment, the response rate increased to 29.7
percent, which was not statistically different from the mail only group. Similarly, Millar and
Dillman (2011) compared a strategy with four postal mailings (two letters and two reminders) to
one with two postal letters and two email reminders and found that the augmented strategy
yielded a 4.3 percent increase in response. This research shows a benefit to using multiple
contact modes to obtain a response and the key is to identify the optimal number and timing of
contacts in each mode. The effectiveness of this strategy, however, is largely dependent on the
quality of the email address frame being used and the technically savviness of the potential
respondents. If the frame is poor, the strategy cannot be successful.

The guidelines for mail and email contacts are well-defined and commonly followed in survey
practice. However, they are not so clear for telephone and personal contacts. For telephone
contacts, the number of calls depends largely on whether the contact number is a cell phone or a
landline. According to Dillman and his colleagues (2014), with landline phones the call is more
likely to reach different people in the household whereas on a cell phone it will typically reach
the same person each time, which can frustrate and alienate people rather than increase
cooperation. Therefore, the number of calls made to a cell number should be lower than the
number made to landlines. Additionally, Groves (1989) recommended one callback for soft
refusals, after seven to 10 days, and no callbacks for hard refusals. Despite these guidelines,
some telephone numbers can be called between 15 and 30 times, depending on the survey and
whether a person was reached. Similarly, there are no strict guidelines for how many times an
interviewer should visit a nonrespondent’s home. Research using the ACS showed that the mean
number of visits to achieve a final outcome code of a refusal or other noninterview is more than
six visits while obtaining an interview took more than two visits (Zelenak, 2014).
Since the NSCG sample includes previous cycle nonrespondents, it is also important to consider
the contract strategy for individuals who refused to complete the survey in the past. It is possible
that no number of visits or phone calls would convert these nonrespondents. Therefore, it is
important to know whether these additional contacts are worth the high cost. In the past, surveys
typically attempted to achieve a certain response rate and then stop data collection. Recently,
surveys have begun to focus more on data quality issues in their data collection decisions. As a
result, a newer strategy is to stop data collection when the late responders no longer impact key
survey estimates (Wagner and Raghunathan, 2010). This way interviewers and nonrespondents
are not unnecessarily burdened and the survey can save money without unnecessarily impacting
the survey estimates.
While we have seen that sample cases often need multiple contacts to motivate them to respond,
the number and content of these contacts can also have a negative effect on response. Survey
administrators need to balance maximizing response rates and overburdening sampled cases.
Burden refers to the total time expended by the respondent to complete the survey (Graham,
2006). In addition to the time taken to actually take the survey, this burden also includes
receiving the contacts, sorting through and reading mail materials, taking phone calls or listening
to voicemails, and reading email messages. If these contacts are helpful and informative, they
can increase response. However, if they provide the same information repeatedly, they can
become frustrating and lead to feelings of harassment (Walker 2015; Griffin, 2014; Zelenak and
Davis, 2013), which can lead to increased nonresponse.
This contact strategies research, in a general sense, aims to strike this balance between response
and burden by determining the best way to contact sample cases, including contact mode,
number of attempts, message content, and when additional contacts are no longer providing
added value.
Proposed Contact Strategies for the 2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment
The 2017 NSCG contact strategies experiment proposes to test the following contact strategies to
measure their effectiveness within the NSCG data collection effort:

•
•
•

Using a revised mailout strategy and new survey contact materials;
The inclusion of an infographic as a contact type; and
Reducing the number of call attempts.

The sections below discuss the rationale for including these contact strategies as part of the
experiment.
Revised Mailout Strategy and New Survey Contact Materials
This section describes how we came to our decisions regarding the number of mailings, the
timing of the mailings, and the type of mailing (letter, postcard, etc.).
Number and timing of mailings
The current NSCG contact strategy has 11 mail contacts for the new sample cases, 12 for the
returning sample cases (including email). Invitations are sent periodically throughout the sixmonth data collection period with reminders coming one week after each invitation. Analysis of
past NSCG response trends across the different contacts shows decreasing returns from each
additional contact. We also see that the new sample cases receive the fourth reminder on week
13, just one week after the fourth invitation, while the returning sample does not receive any
mailings for four weeks, yet the relative increase when the returning sample does receive its next
mailing is no different. These findings suggests the mailings frequency could be reconsidered,
especially since phone call efforts will still drive respondents to complete the survey online or by
paper after the week 12 contacts.
Additionally, in focus groups and cognitive interviews, participants suggested they would cease
opening the letters if they knew they were repeated requests. By reducing the number of
contacts and spreading them out more, sample cases may be more likely to open the mailings.
For the contact strategies experiment, we selected a base of eight contacts to allow a push at the
beginning of the data collection effort and to stay salient to sampled cases throughout the data
collection period without frustrating or overburdening them. Eight contacts allows us to make
contact with sampled cases monthly, which when combined with the CATI operation seems
sufficient.
Response rates are consistently higher for returning sample cases compared to new sample cases
likely because these returning cases have already agreed to participate once, so they are more
agreeable and invested in the survey than some new cases. Given the higher response rates
among the returning sample, it does not make sense to provide them an additional contact
compared to the new sample cases. Therefore, we recommend sending an additional mail
contact to new sample cases.
Currently, the NSCG sends reminder emails to returning sample cases for which a valid email
exists. Research suggests, however, that simultaneous reminders in multiple modes can be more
effective at increasing response. Therefore, for the returning sample cases, for some weeks we
are sending a reminder in the mail as well as an email. Cases that do not have a valid email will
only receive the postal mail reminder.

Preferred mode
In the past, the NSCG has honored respondents’ mode choice for the subsequent survey cycle.
This has resulted in multiple versions of the initial letter to include a questionnaire and an alert
that a phone call will be coming. While we do not recommend ceasing to honor these choices,
we have removed the telephone version of the initial letter for the contact strategies experiment.
These cases will still receive an earlier phone call, but it does not seem necessary to create two
additional letters (one for just telephone and one for telephone + incentive) when only a third of
respondents who say they prefer to respond by phone actually do so. While this change likely
will not have a tremendous impact on response, it will decrease the operational complexities of
the data collection effort.
Type of mailing
In his book, Dillman suggests each contact to a potential respondent should be unique. The
current NSCG mailing strategy primarily uses white letter envelopes to contact sample cases.
There is one postcard, one letter sent in a manila envelope, and one sent in a priority envelope.
In focus groups, participants suggested they would remember the white envelope and while they
would open it the first few times they received it, they would likely throw it away later because
they know what the Census Bureau wants. By sending letters in various types of formats, we
increase the chances sampled cases will continue to open the envelopes throughout the data
collection cycle. Therefore, we recommend sending the following mail pieces:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

White letter envelope
Manila letter envelope
White envelope with perforation on 3 sides
Postcard
Tabbed postcard
Priority envelope
Larger white envelope (10 3/4” x 5 3/5” )

In cognitive interviews, participants felt the standard letter envelopes (white and manila), the
perforated letter and the large envelope were the most noticeable and likely to be opened.
Therefore, we recommend the first and last mailings use the manila envelope and the week 5 and
18 mailings the large envelope. None of the envelope types were disliked by the majority and
each seemed to have benefits and drawbacks to different people. By using all the different mail
pieces, we increase our chances of attracting people who may have ignored a standard letter or
who lost the postcard, for example.
Content of mailing
We evaluated the existing NSCG letters in four rounds of focus groups to see what prior
respondents and potential sample cases thought of them. Several themes emerged across all the
groups. The main takeaway was that the letters did not do a good job of explaining how the data
collected in the NSCG are used and how the survey benefits communities or individuals. While
the current letters do make statements concerning data uses, participants found them to be too
vague. They requested specific and quantifiable examples so they could better understand how
their response contributes to society. Another element that participants mentioned across all the
groups was that the letters did not have a respond by date. The “respond within two weeks”

statement was viewed as not specific enough and not urgent. Participants also felt that the letters
contained too much text and the block paragraph formatting was hard to read and most people
would just skim it.
We focused on this feedback when redesigning the letters. To address the data uses and how
participation benefits communities and the individual, we proposed wording that provides
examples of the policies and programs the NSCG data help inform. Additionally, Dillman
suggested that each contact provide new information. Therefore, in subsequent letters, we
provide examples of how responding can help current workers and students, and we inform the
sample cases that the results are publically available. While this information was available to
some degree in the 2015 NSCG letters, it was buried at the end and most focus group participants
did not notice it.
We also added a respond by date to the first two letters. This date is one and a half weeks from
the mailing date, which focus group participants indicated was a good amount of time in that it
was gave them a few days but wasn’t so far in the future it did not seem urgent. This time frame
also allows us to send a reminder with the same date. Subsequent letters do not use a date and
ask sample cases to “respond now” or “respond today” because we do not know the impact of
changing the date or referring back to a past date. This is something we could consider testing in
the future.
Finally, we reformatted the letters to provide more white space and text differentiation so sample
cases are drawn to different parts of the letter. Specifically, we use a call out box for the call to
action and bolding and bulleted lists to highlight important information. Cognitive interview
participants found these features helped break up the letter so it was not an overwhelming block
of text. Some still said they would skim the letters and may not read them in their entirety, but
we hope the bolding will help the sample cases see the pertinent information.
Inclusion of an Infographic as a Contact Type
For the returning sample, we propose sending an infographic that displays results from the 2015
NSCG prior to sending the invitation to respond to the 2017 NSCG. The purpose of sending the
infographic is to thank the respondent for their contribution and highlight the utility of the data as
well as the importance of their contribution. In focus groups and cognitive interviews, many
participants wanted specific examples of the uses of the data to understand why their
participation is important. This infographic provides a visual display of survey measures that we
hope will pique the interest of past participants to make them more inclined to continue their
participation in the 2017 cycle. For the new sample cases, the infographic will be included as
part of the invitation to respond for the purpose of engaging them in the survey and helping them
understand the nature of the survey.
Reducing the Number of Call Attempts
We studied the 2015 NSCG data and simulated the effect of reducing the number of call attempts
to examine the impact on response and costs. From this investigation, we have an understanding
for the impact that would be felt if we reduced the number of call attempts while using current
production contact materials. However, we are unsure if a similar impact would be felt if we
were to use a reduced number of call attempts along with the new survey contact materials. With

this knowledge deficiency in mind, we propose testing the use of a call cutoff for the CATI
operation as part of the experiment to examine if there is an interaction between the use of a call
cutoff with the revised mailout strategy and new survey contact materials.
2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experimental Groups
The examination of these three different contact strategies creates a total of eight experimental
groups that will be included within this experiment as displayed in the following table.
Table I.1. 2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experimental Groups
Contact
Call Attempt
Materials
Infographic
Reduction
Experimental Group
Yes

Treatment Group #1

Treatment Group #2

Yes

Treatment Group #3

Treatment Group #4

Yes

Treatment Group #5

Treatment Group #6

Yes

Treatment Group #7

Control Group

Yes
New Materials
No

Yes
Production
No

Research Questions for the 2017 NSCG Contact Strategies Experiment
The experimental groups allow for the evaluation of the following research questions.
1. What is the impact of the new materials compared to production? (Treatment Group #4
(TG4) vs. Control Group (CG))
2. What is the impact of the infographic?
2.1. On the new materials? (new materials + infographic vs. new materials) (TG2 vs. TG4)
2.2. On production? (new materials + infographic vs. prod) (TG6 vs. CG)
3. What is the overall impact of reducing the number of call attempts?
3.1. On the new materials? (new materials + call cut vs. new materials) (TG3 vs. TG4)
3.2. On production? (new materials + call cut vs. prod) (TG7 vs. CG)
4. What is the impact of reducing the number of call attempts when an infographic is included?
4.1. On the new materials with an infographic? (new materials + infographic + call cut vs.
new materials + infographic) (TG1 vs. TG2)

4.2. On production with an infographic? (prod + infographic + call cut vs. prod +
infographic) (TG5 vs. TG6)
5. What is the impact of the new materials with an infographic and call cut compared to
production? (new materials + infographic + call cut vs. prod) (TG1 vs. CG)
6. What is the impact of the new materials with an infographic and call cut compared to
production with an infographic and call cut? (new materials + infographic + call cut vs. prod
+ infographic + call cut) (TG1 vs. TG5)
7. What is the impact of the new materials with an infographic compared to production? (new
materials + infographic vs. prod) (TG2 vs. CG)
8. What is the impact of the new materials and a call cut compared to production? (new
materials + call cut vs. prod) (TG3 vs. CG)
Revised Mailout Strategy
For this experiment, we are proposing the following revised mailout strategy. The first table
provides the mailout strategy for the new sample cases and the second table provides the strategy
for the returning sample cases.
Table I.2. Contact Strategies Experiment – Mailout Strategy for the New Sample Cases
Week
Mailing
Envelope
Envelope Size Letter Size
E-mail
1
Initial Invitation
Manila
4 1/8” x9 1/2”
8 1/2 x 11
No
and infographic
2
Reminder 1
Tabbed
8 1/2” x 6”
8 1/2” x 6”
No
Postcard
5
Reminder 2
ACS-style
11 1/2” x 6”
10 3/4” x 5 3/5” No
paper 90lbs
white index
6
Reminder 3
Standard
4 1/4 x 6”
4 1/4 x 6”
No
Postcard
8
Reminder 4/paper
White
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No
invitation
12
Reminder 5
Perforated
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No
16
Reminder 6
Tabbed
8 1/2” x 6”
8 1/2” x 6”
No
Postcard
20
Reminder 7 or
ACS-style or
11 1/2” x 6”
10 3/4” x 5 3/5” No
paper invitation
brown or
paper 90lbs
priority
white index
23
Last Chance
Manila
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No

Table I.3. Contact Strategies Experiment – Mailout Strategy for the Returning Sample Cases
Week
Mailing
Envelope
Envelope Size Letter Size
E-mail
PreInfographic
White
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No
survey
1
Initial Invitation
Manila
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No
2
Reminder 1
Tabbed
8 1/2” x 6”
8 1/2” x 6”
No
Postcard
5
Reminder 2
ACS-style
11 1/2” x 6”
10 3/4” x 5 3/5” Both (email and
paper 90lbs
letter)
white index
6
Reminder 3
Standard
4 1/4 x 6”
4 1/4 x 6”
Email only
Postcard
8
Reminder 4/paper
White
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
No
invitation
12
Reminder 5
Perforated
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
Both (email and
letter)
18
Reminder 6 or
ACS-style or
11 1/2” x 6”
10 3/4” x 5 3/5” No
paper invitation
brown or
paper 90lbs
priority
white index
23
Last Chance
Manila
4 1/8” x 9 1/2” 8 1/2 x 11
Both (email and
letter)

New Survey Contact Materials
The remaining pages in this appendix include the draft contact materials proposed for use in the
2017 NSCG contact strategies experiment. Table I.4. provides a listing of the proposed materials
and the corresponding page number within this appendix.
Table I.4. New Survey Contact Materials
Contact Description

Contact Filename

Frequently Asked Questions (included on backside of all letters)
Week 1, Web Invite, New Sample
Week 1, Incentive Web Invite, New Sample
Week 1, Web Invite, Returning Sample
Week 1, Incentive Web Invite, Returning Sample
Week 1, Mail and Web Invite, Returning Sample
Week 1, Incentive Mail and Web Invite, Returning Sample
Week 2 Reminder – Tabbed Postcard
Week 5 Reminder – ACS Style Flyer
Week 6 Reminder – Postcard
Week 8 Reminder – Web Invite
Week 8 Reminder – Questionnaire/Web Invite
Week 12 Reminder – Perforated Envelope
Week 16 Reminder – New Sample Tabbed Postcard
Week 18 Reminder – Web Invite ACS Style Flyer

NSCG-CS-FAQ
NSCG-CS-NW01
NSCG-CS-NIW01
NSCG-CS-OW01
NSCG-CS-OIW01
NSCG-CS-OW01
NSCG-CS-OIW01
NSCG-CS-W02
NSCG-CS-W05
NSCG-CS-W06
NSCG-CS-W08
NSCG-CS-MW08
NSCG-CS-W12
NSCG-CS-W16
NSCG-CS-OW18

Page
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26

Contact Description

Contact Filename

Page

Week 18 Reminder – Questionnaire/Web Invite ACS Style Flyer

NSCG-CS-OMW18

Week 20 Reminder – Web Invite ACS Style Flyer

NSCG-CS-NW20

Week 20 Reminder – Questionnaire/Web Invite ACS Style Flyer
Week 23 Reminder – Last Chance
NSCG Infographic

NSCG-CS-NMW20
NSCG-CS-W23
NSCG-CS-INFO

32
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35

NATIONAL SURVEY OF COLLEGE GRADUATES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the National Survey of College Graduates?
Since the 1970s, the National Survey of College Graduates (NSCG) has been the most important source of
information on the education and career paths of the nation’s college-educated population. It is conducted by the
U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent agency of the U.S.
government that supports fundamental research and education.
How is the information used?
The information you provide will be used to….
• Deliver important information about the education and career paths of college graduates,
• Study the relationship between education and career opportunities in the U.S.,
• Assist people in making education and career choices,
• Inform decisions about how to best use limited resources in the areas of research, education, and job
training.
For other uses and more information, visit http://www.census.gov/nscg
Why should I participate?
The success of this survey depends on your response. You were randomly selected to participate and you
represent hundreds of other college-educated people in the U.S. We cannot replace you with another person
because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. Your response is voluntary, and there are no penalties
for not answering individual questions.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes, your personal information and your responses to the survey are confidential. This survey is administered
under the authority of the NSF Act of 1950, as amended. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this survey
under the authority of Title 13, Section 8 of the United States Code. The U.S. Census Bureau and the NSF are
required to keep all information about you strictly confidential under Title 13, Section 9 of the United States Code
or the Confidentiality Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. We use this information only for
statistical purposes. Any U.S. Census Bureau or NSF employee who violate these provisions are subject to a fine
up to $250,000, a prison sentence up to five years, or both.

How long will this survey take?
Although individual times may vary, the average time to complete the survey is about 30 minutes. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspects of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd. Suite 295, Arlington,
VA 22230, Attn: NSF Reports Clearance Officer.
Additional information about the survey
Under 5 CFR 1320.5(b), an agency cannot conduct, sponsor, or require a response to a collection of information
unless the collection displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval number. The
OMB approval number for this survey is 3145-0141 and the expiration date is .
NSCG-CS-FAQ

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
The U.S. Census Bureau and the National Science Foundation are dedicated to providing policy
makers, you, and your community with the most comprehensive data on U.S. college graduates.
To accomplish this, we need your help. Please complete the 2017 National Survey of
College Graduates, an important ongoing survey that has been conducted since the 1970s.
Please respond by [DATE2] at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:

By participating, college graduates like you can help:
•
•

Inform education and workforce initiatives, such as the America COMPETES Act, to
improve our nation’s standing in today’s global economy
Improve support for scholarship and fellowship opportunities, like the Graduate
Research Fellowship Program, to help ensure the vitality and diversity of America’s
workforce

This national survey collects information on how people like you use their college education
over time, especially as economic conditions change.
The success of this survey depends on your participation; we cannot substitute another
college graduate for you. For more information, see the back of this letter for answers to
frequently asked questions, email [email protected], or call toll-free, 1-888-262-5935 from
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Thank you in advance for responding to this important national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-NW01

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
The U.S. Census Bureau and the National Science Foundation are dedicated to providing policy
makers, you, and your community with the most comprehensive data on U.S. college graduates.
To accomplish this, we need your help. Please complete the 2017 National Survey of
College Graduates, an important ongoing survey that has been conducted since the 1970s.
In appreciation of your participation, we have enclosed a $30 debit card for you to use upon
completion of the survey. Instructions for using the debit card are enclosed.
Please respond by [DATE2] at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:

By participating, college graduates like you can help:
•
•

This national survey collects information on how people like you use their college education
over time, especially as economic conditions change.
The success of this survey depends on your participation; we cannot substitute another
college graduate for you. For more information, see the back of this letter for answers to
frequently asked questions, email [email protected], or call toll-free, 1-888-262-5935 from 9
a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Thank you in advance for responding to this important national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-NIW01

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
About two years ago, you participated in the 2015 National Survey of College Graduates. We
thank you. Your responses help:
•
•

The success of this national survey still depends on your participation. Your response is
important even if your information has not changed. Your continued participation allows us
to investigate how social, technological, and economic events affect college-educated
individuals over time. We cannot substitute another college graduate for you.
For more information, see the back of this letter for answers to frequently asked questions.
Still have questions?
• Email [email protected]
• Call, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Thank you in advance for your continued participation in this important national survey.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-OW01

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
About two years ago, you participated in the 2015 National Survey of College Graduates. We
thank you. Your responses help:
•
•

It is now time for the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates. We are requesting your
help to continue to provide policy makers, you, and your community with the most
comprehensive data available on U.S. college graduates.
In appreciation of your participation, we have enclosed a $30 debit card for you to use upon
completion of the survey. Instructions for using the debit card are enclosed.
Respond by [DATE2] at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-OIW01

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
About two years ago, you participated in the 2015 National Survey of College Graduates. We
thank you. Your responses help:
•
•

It is now time for the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates. We are requesting your
help to continue to provide policy makers, you, and your community with the most
comprehensive data available on U.S. college graduates.
Respond by [DATE2] at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
If you prefer, you may complete and mail back the enclosed paper questionnaire. Please return
it by [DATE 2] in the provided postage-paid envelope.
The success of this national survey still depends on your participation. Your response is
important even if your information has not changed. Your continued participation allows us
to investigate how social, technological, and economic events affect college-educated
individuals over time. We cannot substitute another college graduate for you.
For more information, see the back of this letter for answers to frequently asked questions.
Still have questions?
• Email [email protected]
• Call, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Thank you in advance for your continued participation in this important national survey.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
NSCG-CS-OMW01

[DATE]
Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
About two years ago, you participated in the 2015 National Survey of College Graduates. We
thank you. Your responses help:
•
•

It is now time for the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates. We are requesting your
help to continue to provide policy makers, you, and your community with the most
comprehensive data available on U.S. college graduates.
In appreciation of your participation, we have enclosed a $30 debit card for you to use upon
completion of the survey. Instructions for using the debit card are enclosed.
Respond by [DATE2] at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:

If you prefer, you may complete and mail back the enclosed paper questionnaire. Please return
it by [DATE 2] in the provided postage-paid envelope.
The success of this national survey still depends on your participation. Your response is
important even if your information has not changed. Your continued participation allows us
to investigate how social, technological, and economic events affect college-educated
individuals over time. We cannot substitute another college graduate for you.
For more information, see the back of this letter for answers to frequently asked questions.
Still have questions?
• Email [email protected]
• Call, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Thank you in advance for your continued participation in this important national survey.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
NSCG-CS-OIMW01

[DATE]
Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
Last week, we sent you a request to participate in the 2017 National Survey of College
Graduates. If you already completed the survey, thank you very much. If you have not
responded, please use the secure website below to complete the survey by [DATE2].
Did you know…that people who are employed in the same field they
studied in college earn more, on average, than people who work in a
different field than they studied? People can use information like this
from the survey to help them make informed decisions about their
education and occupation.
You were scientifically selected for this survey and your response is very important. For help or
additional information, email [email protected] or call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Eastern Time. Thank you in advance for responding to this important national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -FOLD LINE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

National Survey of College Graduates

•

Password:

NSCG-CS-W02

Go to https://respond.census.gov/nscg to complete the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates online.
Login ID:
Password:

See the other side of this card for more information. If you need help or have any questions about this
survey,
call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].

NSCG-CS-W05

Second Reminder – Please respond today
Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
A few weeks ago, the U.S. Census Bureau contacted you to request your participation in the 2017 National Survey of
College Graduates. If you have already completed the survey, we appreciate your help.
If you have not responded, now is the time to do so. Your individual response is critical to the success of this survey and
provides valuable information to your community and your country.
For example, local governments and businesses use this data to better understand the skills available in the local workforce
to help build the economy.

To respond online, go to: https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
Thank you for your contribution to this valuable national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-W05

Recently, we sent you information requesting your participation in an important national
survey. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you very much.
If you have not yet completed the survey, please do so as soon as possible. Your
response is critical to the success of this survey. You were scientifically selected for
this survey and your experiences are unique, so we cannot substitute anyone else for
you.
If you need any help or have any questions, please call us between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Eastern Time on our toll-free number at 1-888-262-5935 or send an email to
[email protected].
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-W06

[DATE]

Fourth Reminder
Please respond now

Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
Your individual response is important, even if you do not work, are retired, or work in
a field that differs from that of your education or training.
For help or additional information, see the back of this letter for frequently asked
questions, call the Census Bureau, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Eastern Time, or send an email to [email protected].
Thank you for your contribution to this important national survey.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-W08

[DATE]

Fourth Reminder
Please respond now

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
Recently, we sent you several requests for your participation in the 2017 National
Survey of College Graduates. Your response is needed. We are asking that you
complete this survey because your participation is critical to its success. If you have
already responded, thank you.
Combined results from this survey are publically available, allowing you and others to
find information such as, average salaries in over 28 fields and how they have changed
over time. This can help inform the field of study for college students or career changes
for professionals.
Please respond now by:
1) Going to https://respond.census.gov/nscg and entering your:
Login ID:
Password:
OR
2) Filling out the enclosed paper questionnaire and mailing it back in the
provided postage-paid envelope
Your individual response is important, even if you do not work, are retired, or work in
a field that differs from that of your education or training.
For help or additional information, see the back of this letter for frequently asked
questions, call the Census Bureau, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Eastern Time, or send an email to [email protected].
Thank you for your contribution to this important national survey.
Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bure [DATE]
NSCG-CS-MW08

[DATE]

Fifth Reminder
Your response is critical

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
About four weeks ago, we asked you to complete the 2017 National Survey of College
Graduates. Your response is critical and helps the U.S. government allocate
resources to research and education programs for advancement opportunities for you
and others in the U.S. If you have already responded, please accept our thanks.

Respond today at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
Did you know…your response can help determine how the U.S.
compares to other countries in graduation rates in various fields? This
can help identify areas for improvement in K-12 education and provide
resources in these areas to make our country more competitive.
If we do not receive your response by [DATE3], a Census Bureau
representative may contact you.
The success of this national survey depends on your participation. We cannot
substitute another college graduate for you. This survey helps policy makers and the
public understand and quantify how people use their education as they age.
For additional Information:
• Email [email protected]
• Call, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time
Thank you in advance for your response.

Sincerely,

John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
NSCG-CS-W12

[DATE]

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
Over the past month we sent you several requests to participate in the 2017 National
Survey of College Graduates. If you completed the survey, thank you very much. If you
have not, please take a moment to do so now.
Did you know…researchers use data from the National Survey of
College Graduates for many reasons, including to understand why
people are leaving various fields, the relationship between field of
degree and occupation, and how gender differences in various fields
have changed over time?
For help or additional information, email [email protected] or call 1-888-262-5935 from
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Thank you in advance for responding to this important
national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -FOLD LINE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

National Survey of College Graduates

Respond now at https://respond.census.gov/nscg and enter your:
•

•

Password

NSCG-CS-W16

Go to https://respond.census.gov/nscg to complete the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates online.
Login ID:
Password:

See the other side of this card for more information. If you need help or have any questions about this
survey, call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].

NSCG-CS-OW18

Sixth Reminder – We need your response
Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
The success of the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates depends on your help. The U.S. Census Bureau contacted
you several times to request your participation in this important national survey that provides critical information on college
graduates in the U.S. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you for your cooperation. If you have not
responded, please do so immediately.

To respond online, go to: https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
Results from this survey show that between 1993 and 2013, the percent of Bachelor’s degree recipients who took workrelated training for licensure or certification in the previous year increased by nearly 50%. This finding suggests that college
graduates are increasingly looking for ways to improve their knowledge level and identify opportunities for promotion or
advancement.
Thank you for your contribution to this valuable national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau

NSCG-CS-OW18

Go to https://respond.census.gov/nscg to complete the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates online.
Login ID:
Password:

See the other side of this card for more information. If you need help or have any questions about this
survey, call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].

NSCG-CS-OMW18

To respond online, go to: https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
If you prefer, you may complete and mail back the enclosed paper questionnaire in the included postage-paid envelope as
soon as possible.
Results from this survey show that between 1993 and 2013, the percent of Bachelor’s degree recipients who took workrelated training for licensure or certification in the previous year increased by nearly 50%. This finding suggests that college
graduates are increasingly looking for ways to improve their knowledge level and identify opportunities for promotion or
advancement.
Thank you for your contribution to this valuable national survey.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
NSCG-CS-OMW18

Go to https://respond.census.gov/nscg to complete the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates online.
Login ID:
Password:

See the other side of this card for more information. If you need help or have any questions about this
survey, call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].

NSCG-CS-NW20

Seventh Reminder – We need your response
Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
The success of the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates depends on your help. The U.S. Census Bureau contacted
you several times to request your participation in this important national survey that provides critical information on college
graduates in the U.S. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you for your cooperation. If you have not
responded, please do so immediately.

NSCG-CS-NW20

Go to https://respond.census.gov/nscg to complete the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates online.
Login ID:
Password:

See the other side of this card for more information. If you need help or have any questions about this
survey, call 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time or send an email to [email protected].

NSCG-CS-NMW20

[DATE]

Final reminder
Survey Closing Soon

Dear [FIRST NAME LAST NAME],
The U.S. Census Bureau has sent you several requests, on behalf of the National
Science Foundation, to participate in the 2017 National Survey of College Graduates.
We know your time is valuable and we would greatly appreciate your participation to
ensure that the survey results are accurate and representative.
This survey is the primary source of data about the educational outcomes of our
nation’s college-educated population. You were individually selected from millions of
graduates in the United States to represent the college-educated population. We are
counting on your help to ensure the highest quality data possible.

Please respond at https://respond.census.gov/nscg
Login ID:
Password:
The survey will be closing soon. This is your last chance to help policy makers,
researchers, and the public better understand the impact of a college education.
For additional Information:
• Email [email protected]
• Call, toll-free, at 1-888-262-5935 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time
• See the back of this letter for answers to frequently asked questions
Thank you for your contribution to this valuable national survey. If you have already
completed the survey, please accept our appreciation.
Sincerely,
John H. Thompson
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
NSCG-CS-W23

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File Type	application/pdf
File Title	1999 OMB Supporting Statement Draft
Author	Demographic LAN Branch
File Modified	2016-12-09
File Created	2016-12-09