Enrollment compared to high school and service area demographics
The percentage of enrolled students (using 12-month unduplicated headcount) by demographic group compared to the demographic composition of (1) service area high schools, and (2) all people in the service area.
Community colleges offer access to individuals who might not otherwise attend college, including recent high school graduates, incumbent workers, and unemployed adults. These metrics can help college leaders assess how well the college is serving those populations. By identifying demographic groups that are underrepresented in higher education and at the college (by high school and overall), leaders can better understand where to focus strategies to reach students and enroll them in programs of value.
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.