Transfer and Completion
Six-Year Persistence Rates: Ohio
What Is Measured?
Percentage of students still enrolled after six years
Who Is Counted?
First-time degree-seeking students who entered Ohio Community Colleges in fall 2002
What It Tells Us
Among first-time, full-time degree-seeking students enrolled in Ohio Community Colleges in fall 2002, 26 percent had graduated, and another 8 percent were still enrolled within six years. Among their part-time counterparts, only 13 percent had graduated, but 10 percent were still enrolled.
Why It's Important
Traditionally, students must study full time for two years in community college to earn an associate degree or complete a lower-division curriculum for transfer to a four-year college (and usually less than one year to earn a certificate). But less than half of community college students enroll full time in their first term, and even fewer enroll full time for two consecutive years. Because many part-time students enroll less than half time, and most must take at least one developmental education course that does not count toward a degree or transfer, some have argued that even six years is not sufficiently long for community students to meet their educational goals. This measure represents the proportion of community college students who were not able to complete or transfer within six years but still may do so.
About the Data
Only students still enrolled at their first institution are included. There were 14,454 first-time, full-time degree-seeking students who began in fall 2002, and 8,429 part-time students. Graduation rates include graduation from any Ohio public institution.Data Source
Ohio Board of Regents. (2009). Ohio Community College portraits. Columbus, OH: Author.