Across the United States, community college graduation rates are too low. Intensive advising and supports—including reaching out to students when they are struggling—are key elements of programs that have been shown to be effective at helping students stay on track. The thoughtful design of advising and student support programs is especially important for addressing educational inequity. In many cases, however, advisors have large caseloads that limit the amount of time they can spend with students. Moreover, advising systems often function separately from other student service offices, including career counseling, and students may not have the support they need to address financial challenges, childcare and transportation struggles, and other issues.

CCRC research suggests that the best advising is sustained across a student’s college career. Under this model, advisors who are experts in specific academic areas are assigned individual students and regularly meet with them. The advisors help students choose programs and formulate personalized education and financial plans, identify and address their needs, and intervene when they struggle. Faculty and staff can also play a key role in helping students feel a sense of belonging on campus.

CCRC researchers are continuing to investigate improvements to student supports, including how colleges can support specific student groups such as first-generation students, English learners, adult students, and students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Other projects focus on academic tutoring, various models of financial support, and ways to effectively extend college advising to dual enrollment students.