Transfer and Completion
Six-Year Persistence Rates: Texas
What Is Measured?
Percentage of students who persisted within six years
Who Is Counted?
First-time, full-time students who entered Texas Community Colleges in fall 2004
What It Tells Us
Among first-time, full-time students who entered Texas Community Colleges in fall 2004, almost 8 percent were still enrolled in a two-year institution. Slightly fewer, about 5 percent, were enrolled in a four-year institution. White students were the least likely to still be enrolled in a two-year institution (7 percent) of all the racial/ethnic groups studied, while Asian American students were the most likely to be enrolled in a four-year institution (10 percent).
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
Estimates are from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Enrolled in two-year institution: includes students who have not graduated and who were enrolled in a two-year institution in fall 2010.
Enrolled in four-year institution: includes students who have not graduated and who were enrolled in a four-year institution in fall 2010.