The Road Ahead: A Look at Trends in the Educational Attainment of Community College Students

Abstract

The report analyses data on educational attainment at community colleges. One extremely positive conclusion can be reached: Educational attainment for all key populations is increasing at community colleges. The investments made in a community college education, by individuals and by society as a whole, are paying off. Moreover, over the past twenty years, the percent increase in credentials awarded has been double the percent increase in enrollment. These findings are even more pronounced for students of color. Consistent with other research, actual rates of transfer for students are much higher than commonly reported as well.