Many students who begin their education at a community college intend to earn a four-year degree. Yet Engle and Tinto (2008) conclude that "only 5 percent of low-income, first-generation students who started their education at community colleges had acquired bachelor's degrees within six years." For too long, universities have seen…

This report explores the demographics of community college students and how they compare to those in other sectors of higher education. Next, it reviews the common reasons undergraduate students stop their studies or drop out. The report then examines technology-enhanced education in community colleges and presents several case studies showing how…

In 1981, a study of the costs to students of commuting to community colleges in Illinois was conducted as an aid to analyzing student financial need policies, to helping students make informed decisions about college attendance, and to analyzing tuition policies related to student costs. A survey instrument was administered to 2,847 students from…

The Division of Policy, Planning, and Research has assembled the Tennessee Higher Education Fact Book which is a compilation of statistical information pertaining to higher education in Tennessee. This Fact Book contains tables and charts with data relevant to enrollment and transfers, persistence and attainment, and fiscal information about…