National Results: Key Issues and Challenges

Just as no single number can adequately — or accurately — describe a single college’s performance, no single view of overall results can describe the performance of community colleges across the country. Understanding the national picture requires viewing it from a variety of angles; here we offer several perspectives on survey results and the challenges facing community colleges.

With a close look at the data, interesting trends and patterns emerge. While the survey results confirm some long-held beliefs, they also reveal unexpected information: similarities where we expected differences, challenges that are greater than anticipated, and happily, some pleasant surprises. The findings also highlight several issues that warrant further study and monitoring.

Key issues emerging from the 2003 data are:
Capture Time Is Critical
Student Persistence Remains a Challenge
Student Aspirations: Charting a Path Is Essential for Success
Promising Results for Students of Color
Closing the Gaps: A Look at High-Risk Students
Institutional Location and Size Matter Less Than Expected

For specific findings, including means and frequencies for individual survey items, or to create your own customized data search, go to "Search the Data."

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