An Introduction to Community Colleges and Their Students. Policy Fact Sheet
Saved in:
| Title: | An Introduction to Community Colleges and Their Students. Policy Fact Sheet |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Columbia University, Community College Research Center (CCRC) |
| Source: | Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. 2025. |
| Availability: | Community College Research Center. Available from: CCRC Publications. Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street Box 174, New York, NY 10027. Tel: 212-678-3091; Fax: 212-678-3699; e-mail: ccrc@columbia.edu; Web site: http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 4 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Two Year Colleges |
| Descriptors: | Community Colleges, Community College Students, College Role, Public Colleges, Two Year Colleges, First Generation College Students, Low Income Students, Minority Group Students, Nontraditional Students, Costs, Academic Degrees, Outcomes of Education, Income, Social Mobility, Graduation Rate, Gender Differences, Time to Degree, Governance, Financial Support |
| Abstract: | Community colleges serve about 8.6 million students per year, or about 40% of all undergraduates, depending on the definition of community college used. The nation's more than 900 community colleges are found in rural, suburban, and urban areas and are more affordable than four-year colleges, providing access to higher education for nearly all Americans. Community colleges play an essential role in higher education.4 They provide instruction in a wide variety of fields that lead to employment in sectors such as health care, public safety, information technology, business, and manufacturing. They also prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and allow high school students to earn college credits through dual enrollment. They teach adults who are preparing for GEDs or learning English. And community colleges partner with local employers to train or upskill workers needed for regionally important industries and occupations. |
| Abstractor: | ERIC |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678739 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Community colleges serve about 8.6 million students per year, or about 40% of all undergraduates, depending on the definition of community college used. The nation's more than 900 community colleges are found in rural, suburban, and urban areas and are more affordable than four-year colleges, providing access to higher education for nearly all Americans. Community colleges play an essential role in higher education.4 They provide instruction in a wide variety of fields that lead to employment in sectors such as health care, public safety, information technology, business, and manufacturing. They also prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and allow high school students to earn college credits through dual enrollment. They teach adults who are preparing for GEDs or learning English. And community colleges partner with local employers to train or upskill workers needed for regionally important industries and occupations. |
|---|
