Time to credential
The average number of years between first enrollment at the community college and completion of a credential.
Research shows that increased time to attain a credential is negatively correlated with credential completion. 23 By providing a window into how quickly students complete credentials, this metric can inform leaders’ assessments of (1) the effectiveness of advising and academic planning in pointing students toward specific courses needed for their intended credentials, (2) the availability of courses students need to complete their credentials, and (3) students’ return on investment for their time at the community college, which includes the opportunity cost of not earning wages. College leaders can use this metric to assess the college as a whole as well as programs of study.
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.