The Road Ahead for Community Colleges — Examining Enrollment, Completion, Purpose, and Value


Released January 27, 2021

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Community colleges endured a more severe drop in enrollment than four-year institutions in fall 2020, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Yet community college students nationwide are more likely than their peers at four-year institutions to say they believe their education will be worth the cost and that their institution does an excellent or very good job connecting education to a meaningful career.

This week’s data are based on the Strada Student Viewpoint and Strada-Gallup Education Consumer surveys. The research is intended to provide insights to the education and training providers, policymakers, employers, and individual Americans who are navigating the COVID-19 crisis.

LACK OF CONFIDENCE

Among Americans without degrees, skepticism about the value of education grew during 2020.


 

VALUE

Community college students are more likely than their peers at four-year institutions to feel their education will be worth the cost.


 

COMPLETION

1 in 5 community college students expect to delay their graduation because of COVID-19.


 

PURPOSE

Community college students are more likely than their peers at four-year institutions to feel support connecting their education to a meaningful career.

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