Community college completion rates spike over last 2 decades

Community colleges are continuing to emerge as an important player in the nation’s education system, as shown by a long-term study of completion rates by the American Association of Community Colleges. The data shows that the percentage increase in degrees and credentials rewarded is double the percentage increase of student enrollment.

“These findings are even more pronounced for students of color,” reads the study’s executive summary. “Consistent with other research, actual rates of transfer for students are much higher than commonly reported as well.”

In the report, “The Road Ahead: A Look at Trends in Educational Attainment at Community Colleges” (PDF), researchers found that community college completion rates increased by 127 percent between 1990 and 2010. Meanwhile, the enrollment in the schools during that time period increased by 65 percent. For African American students, community college completion rates increased by 283 percent, while enrollment increased by 137 percent. For Hispanic students, the increase in completion during that time was a whopping 440 percent, while enrollment jumped by 226 percent.

Asian American and Pacific Islander students saw community college completion rates soar by 253 percent and enrollment went up by 131 percent. Native American/Native Alaskan students saw an 85 percent increase in enrollment in community colleges and completion rates for the group rose by 242 percent. For Caucasian students, the increase in community college completion rates was 90 percent, while enrollment went up by 17 percent between 1990 and 2010.

The study’s authors say the numbers provide encouraging news for the fight to close the racial academic achievement gaps, but now is not the time to rest on these improvements.

“While these data do suggest that progress in closing attainments gaps for students of color who attend community colleges is under way, a fact to be proud of, they also make clear that the gaps have not been closed,” reads the report.

The 21-page report also detailed ways in which certain community colleges are working to improve student achievement and completion rates. Some of those techniques included individualized teaching using technology to assist students in remedial math courses, improving developmental classes, making sure that students enroll in a program that is best-suited for their needs and desires, and informing students of the benefits of completion up front.