Examining How Community College Students Develop Aspirations for Graduate School
Saved in:
| Title: | Examining How Community College Students Develop Aspirations for Graduate School |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Casey Lukszo (ORCID |
| Source: | Community College Review. 2026 54(3):248-272. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education Two Year Colleges |
| Descriptors: | Community College Students, Academic Aspiration, Graduate Study, Student Responsibility, Mentors, School Personnel, College Role, Peer Influence, Teacher Influence, Barriers, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alumni, Educational Environment |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00915521261428061 |
| ISSN: | 0091-5521 1940-2325 |
| Abstract: | Objective/Research Question: In this study, we sought to understand what factors motivate community college students' and alumni decisions to pursue graduate study. Specifically, we asked: What influences community college students and alumni to pursue graduate school? What role do community colleges play in influencing students' aspirations for graduate school? Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized, and data was collected from 16 focus group participants and 20 individual interviews. Results: Findings from this study indicate that students' aspirations for graduate school are shaped by multiple factors, including responsibilities outside of school as well as mentorship and guidance from institutional faculty and staff. Conclusions/Contributions: Findings from this study present implications for researchers and practitioners focused on supporting community college student success. Notably, this study prompts opportunities to consider the role of community college support on students' long-term goals, including pursuing graduate study. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507671 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Objective/Research Question: In this study, we sought to understand what factors motivate community college students' and alumni decisions to pursue graduate study. Specifically, we asked: What influences community college students and alumni to pursue graduate school? What role do community colleges play in influencing students' aspirations for graduate school? Methods: A qualitative research design was utilized, and data was collected from 16 focus group participants and 20 individual interviews. Results: Findings from this study indicate that students' aspirations for graduate school are shaped by multiple factors, including responsibilities outside of school as well as mentorship and guidance from institutional faculty and staff. Conclusions/Contributions: Findings from this study present implications for researchers and practitioners focused on supporting community college student success. Notably, this study prompts opportunities to consider the role of community college support on students' long-term goals, including pursuing graduate study. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0091-5521 1940-2325 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00915521261428061 |
