Community Colleges-A Route of Upward Ecnomic Mobility is a new report out that discusses many of the issues surrounding students who attend community colleges. While the author discusses the advantages of community colleges(less cost, open admission, flexible curriculum) she also points out the potential difficulties in attending a community college if the student intends to transfer to a four year college.
Only 26% of community college students that enter with the intent to get a four year degree actually recieved a four year degree within 9 years of starting. In contrast, 50% of students attending a non selective college eventually receive a four year degree and 73% of students attending a selective four year college get their degree. Community college students were less likely to get a four degree even after the author adjusted “for selection bias by by controlling for students’ race, gender, age, ability (ACT scores) and family income.”
I have previously discussed other issues related to transferring from a community college including problems with credit transfer and poor financial aid.
Community colleges have their place in our educational system. However, their cheap price tag often blinds people to the many potential problems for students who intend on eventually getting a four year degree.
[…] have recently discussed some of the problems faced by community college students who plan to transfer to four year colleges. Considering the findings of this new report together with the other […]