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The Effects of Institutional Factors on the Success of Community College Students

By Thomas Bailey, Juan Carlos Calcagno, Davis Jenkins, Gregory S. Kienzl & D. Timothy Leinbach
The goal of this study is to determine the institutional characteristics that affect the success of community college students as measured by the individual student probability of completing a certificate or degree or transferring to a baccalaureate institution. While there is extensive research on the institutional determinants of educational outcomes for K-12 education and a growing literature on this topic for baccalaureate institutions, few researchers have attempted to address the issue for community colleges. Using individual level data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) and institutional level data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the authors address two methodological challenges associated with research on community college students: unobserved institutional effects and attendance at multiple institutions. The most consistent results across specifications are the negative relationship between individual success and larger institutional size, and the proportion of part-time faculty and minority students.
Download report
January 2005
Download CCRC Brief No. 24
February 2005
  • Using State Data to Promote Success by Underserved Community College Students

Related Publications

March 2007

Is Student Success Labeled Institutional Failure? Student Goals and Graduation Rates in the Accountability Debate at Community Colleges

March 2007

What Can Student Right-to-Know Graduation Rates Tell Us About Community College Performance?

Additional Resources

For more policy briefs and fact sheets, visit CCRC’s Policy Resources page.

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