A new study released by the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCSSE) shows that while full-time students graduate at higher rates than their part-time peers, those who enrolled full time for just one semester have a greater chance of earning a degree than those who attend part-time. CCSSE, established in 2001 as a project of the Community College Leadership Program in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin, analyzed the transcript data of more than 17,000 students from 28 institutions. The data analysis also showed that graduation outcomes improved if students were enrolled full time for their first semester.
While the higher education field tends to classify students as either full time or part time, this research reveals that a three-tier approach should be considered: always part-time, fluid attendance pattern, and always full time.
Currently, the study has received coverage in the following media outlets:
- Cleveland.com, Community college students who attend full time, even one semester, have a better chance to earn degree, report says, April 19, 2017
- Inside Higher Ed, Full-Time Finishers, April 19, 2017
- The Mercury News, Study: Full-time enrollment boosts success at community college, April 19, 2017
- Diverse, Report: Community College Full-time Students More Likely to Graduate, April 19, 2017
