Do College Student Surveys Have Any Validity?

Using standards established for validation research, I review the theory and evidence underlying the validity argument of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). I use the NSSE because it is the preeminent survey of college students, arguing that if it lacks validity, then so do almost all other college student surveys. I find that it fails to meet basic standards for validity and reliability, and recommend that higher education researchers initiate a new research agenda to develop valid college student surveys.