Credit hour accumulation (“credit intensity”)
The average number of credits earned by all students enrolled in a single semester (or quarter) and across each 12-month period. Colleges may set thresholds for credit hour completion milestones and assess the percentage and number of students that meet them in specific timeframes (e.g., percentage of students successfully completing 15 credit hours in the first term, 30 credit hours in the first year, and 45 credit hours by the end of the third term).
Research shows a positive correlation between the rate at which credits are earned and the likelihood of completion. 18 Colleges can use the average number of credits earned by semester and year to assess the extent to which college systems, policies, and supports are helping students complete more credits and earn a credential. When combined with increases in the number of students on a program path, increases in credit accumulation can be a strong predictor of increased credential attainment.
While college leaders will find value in collecting data on all students, consistently disaggregating data whenever possible can reveal outcome disparities. This information is essential for colleges developing strong reform plans to improve and close disparities in student success.
- Race/ethnicity
- Gender
- Family/Personal Income
- Age
- Parent/Dependent status
- Attendance intensity
- First-generation status
- Veteran status
Students may identify with one or many of the above identities. College leaders should consider how these different identities intersect and pay close attention to these relationships and how they may influence each student’s experience.