College for All and the Struggles to Make It Work: Community College Student Feedback Data on Obstacles to College Completion

Abstract

Background/Context: There is a misalignment in contemporary society between the assumption that all high school graduates can and should attend college and the lack of funding and support to make that happen. This is especially apparent at community colleges that enroll disproportionally low-income students, who deal with a variety of obstacles including a lack of family support, academic issues, and financial struggles. Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study: The aim of this project is to better understand the life circumstances that contribute to students dropping out of community college before completing a degree. Research Design: I surveyed community college students on precollege planning, in-college experiences, and reasons for leaving before earning a degree. I assessed the associations of these circumstances with dropping out, using Pearson Chi-square tests, and applied logistic regressions. Conclusion/Recommendations: Students who dropped out of college were less likely to discuss their college plans with their parents; they struggled academically and financially and found themselves isolated and without assistance more often than those who stayed.