What's the graduation and transfer rate for STEM students at community colleges?

I'm interested in studying STEM at a community college before transferring. Does anyone have information on graduation and transfer rates for STEM students at community colleges?

Community college outcomes can vary significantly by institution, so it's hard to provide exact statistics. However, I can give you some general information that might be helpful.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that about 39% of students at two-year institutions - which include most community colleges - complete their degrees within six years. This figure includes students from all fields, not just STEM.

As for transfer rates, according to a report by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, about 45% of students who initially enrolled in a community college transfer to a four-year institution. However, only approximately 14% of students earn a bachelor’s degree within 6 years of transferring.

Specific data on STEM students from community colleges is a bit harder to find, but certain reports suggest that STEM students do fairly well after transferring. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that community college students who transferred to four-year institutions in STEM fields had similar grades and graduation rates to those who started at four-year institutions. This suggests that STEM students can thrive after transferring, as long as they receive the right support.

Remember, these statistics can vary based on many factors such as the specific community college and the supports they provide to students, the transfer agreement in place with four-year institutions, the student's coursework and GPA, and their degree of preparation for four-year STEM programs.

To get more personalized information, I'd recommend reaching out to the specific community colleges you're interested in. They may have more detailed data on their own STEM students' outcomes upon graduation and after transferring.

Remember to also consider factors like course transferability and articulation agreements with four-year institutions when choosing where to apply. Having solid transfer pathways not only ensures that most of your credits will be accepted by the four-year institution, but it can also significantly ease the transition process.

Hope this information helps! It's great that you're thinking about these things – by staying informed, you're setting yourself up for success!