Transfer to bachelor’s degree programs
The percentage and number of students who transfer into a bachelor’s degree program within two or three years of entry to the community college, either by transferring to a four-year college or university or entering a community college bachelor’s program.
Research shows that the majority of “good jobs” in the United States require a bachelor’s degree (or higher levels of higher education). 12 Bachelor’s degree holders, on average, earn 75 percent more over their lifetime than those with a high school diploma and have median annual earnings of approximately $70,000 (higher for those who go on to earn an advanced degree). 13 Accordingly, community colleges should assess how many of their students take the necessary step of entering a bachelor’s granting program.
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.