Recent data suggest that students are returning to community colleges, though total numbers are well below pre-pandemic levels. Davis Jenkins explores the causes of enrollment declines in recent decades and examines ways colleges can build on successful reforms to improve student outcomes.
Many community colleges offer dual enrollment courses at a lower tuition rate than is paid by post-high school students. But—as dual enrollment students have come to comprise a larger share of community college enrollments—can colleges afford to continue offering these courses at a discount? Clive Belfield, Davis Jenkins, and John Fink consider how community colleges can structure their programs to be more efficient and financially sustainable.
The Aspen Institute and CCRC are launching Unlocking Opportunity: The Post-Graduation Success and Equity Network, a project to accelerate the next phase of reform at 10 community colleges.
CCRC researchers describe an emerging approach to dual enrollment called dual enrollment equity pathways, or DEEP, in which community colleges partner with middle and high schools to motivate and prepare underserved students to pursue college pathways in fields of interest.
To help more students gain early momentum, community colleges need to update onboarding to focus on helping students enter a program of study aligned with their interests, strengths, and aspirations.