College Milestones
Six-Year Completion of 30 or More Credits: California
What Is Measured?
Percentage of students who completed 30 or more college credits within six years
Who Is Counted?
First-time degree-seeking California Community College students who enrolled in credit courses during the 2003-04 academic year, excluding noncredit and dual-enrolled students
What It Tells Us
Overall, about two-fifths (40 percent) of California Community College students completed at least 30 credits within six years. Asian American students were the most likely racial/ethnic group to have completed 30 or more credits within six years (48 percent), while African American students were the least likely to have done so (28 percent).
Why It's Important
Students who intend to complete a program and obtain a credential or transfer to a four-year college must complete a required number of course credits. Even after the first year, earning a specific number of credits is a milestone that is associated with future success. For students who do not intend to graduate or transfer but may be more interested in improving their workforce skills or cultivating personal interests, earning a certain number of college-level credits may constitute a goal in and of itself.