In the United States, many community college students—about 68 percent—enroll part-time, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Unfortunately, graduation rates for part-time students are low. Only 19 percent of people who begin attending community college as part-time students graduate within six years, compared with 36 percent of people who start community college enrolled full-time. Yet there is little information on how to help part-time students stay in college and ultimately graduate. How can higher education better support part-time student success?
To address this knowledge gap, MDRC researchers conducted a multifaceted study in which they identified practices likely to support part-time student success. The research team reviewed relevant research literature, spoke with national and state higher education policy and practitioner experts, and interviewed staff and students from four promising student success initiatives. Takeaways from this report include:
- Part-time student enrollment status fluctuates. Students often switch between part-time and full-time attendance over the course of their studies.
- Part-time students have a range of social identities and backgrounds. Part-time students often juggle multiple responsibilities such as caregiving for a family member and working a full-time job. The initiatives highlighted in this report serve a disproportionate number of women, adult learners, and Black and Hispanic students.
- Effective initiatives often incorporate multiple kinds of student support services that address various needs. The student success initiatives described in this report help address financial limitations, work schedules, and caregiving responsibilities. When students engage in multiple support strategies, they may feel more motivated to succeed in college.
- The qualitative evidence points to seven initiative practices that may increase outcomes for part-time students. They are:
- Tailor initiatives for a specific student demographic
- Develop and sustain collaboration across campus departments
- Partner with employers
- Cultivate initiative champions
- Recognize and value lived experience
- Provide comprehensive support services
- Facilitate student connection through campus events and social spaces