What makes a community college successful at preparing the local workforce? Recent research says that the school’s mission is a major factor.
According to an analysis conducted in the North Carolina Community College System, students from community colleges that promote career preparation in their mission and messaging earn more than students from colleges that state their mission to produce transfer students or students from colleges that take a dual approach. The researchers conclude that a college’s mission to prepare the future workforce is a major factor in student labor market success; however, other factors largely outside the school’s control—such as the local unemployment rate—also impact how well students do in the workplace.
Another study takes a look at how labor market returns vary between those who complete and do not complete a postsecondary program. The analysis looks at nursing, in particular, and finds that just accumulating credits in nursing does not necessarily lead to higher earnings and is no different from earning general credits. This is more evidence that completion is critical.
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