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Why students are saying community colleges are the future of learning


A new survey presents student perceptions about community colleges.

community-colleges-studentsAlmost 100 percent of community college students surveyed valued these institutions as an “important part of U.S. education system.”

This finding, which highlights the recent rise in community college popularity among U.S. student, is one of many within a new survey conducted by education company Cengage Learning.

The company recently release the findings at the 95th American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Convention, to present what it says is new student data revealing their perspectives on community colleges and how they fit into today’s educational landscape.

Remarkably, of the more than 4,250 students surveyed (a mix of students who currently attend and students who used to attend but have since transferred), an overwhelming majority (98 percent) agreed that community colleges are an important part of the United States’ educational system.

But is this endorsement a surprise, considering the fact that, according to both Cengage Learning’s survey and statements made by President Obama earlier this year, 40 percent of college students in the U.S. choose to attend community college themselves?

“Community colleges are the heartbeat, the backbone of the education system, and we now have the content and technology to make the experience even more effective for today’s students,” said Cengage Learning CEO Michael Hansen. “We need to make sure we have an educated workforce, fit for purpose, and ready to compete in an increasingly global environment. With the majority of new jobs being created requiring some postsecondary education, community colleges are the answer for a large percentage of the student population.”

(Next page: The survey’s findings; infographic)

Community colleges as the gateway

Cengage Learning’s student survey results also highlight the reasons why students choose to enroll in community colleges:

  • For 69 percent of enrolled community college students, financial savings were indicated as a key motivator; especially when compared to the cost of attending a 4-year institution.
  • Convenience factors were also major contributors to why students select community colleges, including proximity of the institution to where students live, course offerings that students need or want, and classes that fit students’ schedules (66 percent, 46 percent and 43 percent respectively).
  • In addition, 37 percent of students enrolled at community college noted that they hope to eventually transfer into a 4-year institution or larger program, while 26 percent similarly enroll to improve their grades or study skills before attending a 4-year institution.
  • Of the 2,686 respondents who currently attend community college, 56 percent said they completed prerequisite courses to prepare for a 4-year program. Another 55 percent learned college-level study skills, and 41 percent used community college to become accustomed to student life again in preparation for further schooling.                                                                                                                 

[For a more detailed breakdown of results, click here]

“Community colleges are diverse institutions that serve a wide variety of needs,” said AACC President and CEO Walter G. Bumphus. “The comprehensive mission of community colleges makes them attractive to a broad range of people–including students who are looking to gain skills for a particular job, pursue an associate degree to transfer to a 4-year institution, or complete a certificate or technical training. Our colleges also serve the community by adapting quickly to the needs of local businesses to provide training and economic development opportunities. Community colleges are the gateway to postsecondary education and well-paying jobs for many minority, low income, and first-generation students.”

The survey concluded with another interesting statistic: 2-year college students feel their classes are more relevant for an eventual job, as compared to those attending four-year institutions (45 percent vs. 31 percent respectively).

Material from a press release was used in this report.

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