Choosing a program of study is one of the most important decisions community college students make–one that has lasting effects on students’ educational progress, career path, and financial security. Many students are unsure about it, and many change programs at some point during their time in college.
Based on interviews that took place in summer 2025 with 42 students who first enrolled in one of four community colleges in fall 2023, this report examines students’ program selection process, the level of certainty they felt about their initial and sometimes subsequent program choice, and the factors that influenced their decision-making.
Although many interviewees expressed high levels of certainty about their program choice, half changed programs at least once between fall 2023 and summer 2025, and some reported that their feelings of certainty fluctuated over time. Based on the study findings, the report concludes with recommendations on how community colleges can better support students in choosing a program:
- Understand which students are truly certain about their program choice, which students could benefit from additional guidance, and what type of guidance they need.
- Make program and career exploration part of every new student’s college experience.
- Provide support to guide students’ use of program and career information.
- Ensure that students are able to enroll in a course related to their chosen field of study in their first term.