What Do We Mean When We Say “College Success”?
While access is important, recent discussions in higher education have moved beyond college access to focus on supplying equitable support and opportunity for a diverse student population. Thus, it is about moving students beyond college access to college success.
But what do we mean when we say “college success”?
FROM AN INSTITUTIONAL VIEW
Institutions lose large sums of money when a student drops out. Thus, college enrollment numbers and financial viability are meaningful performance measures, especially in a changing American education landscape.
So, we may think of college success in terms of institutional performance measures such as student retention rates.
FROM A STUDENT VIEW
Students who drop out without accomplishing a college degree may forgo significant lifetime earnings and are likely to be burdened with debt that may affect their ability to buy a vehicle, a house, or even revisit finishing college sometime in the future.
So, we may think of college success in terms of degree completion measures and, subsequently, higher lifetime earnings.
Even still, if we only define college success in the context of degree completion metrics, we risk adopting a shortsighted view of a valuable college experience.
Expanding the Definition
As our understanding of student success continues to evolve, it's crucial that we consider not only degree completion, but also the vital role that student growth and development play in the college experience. In particular, metrics such as self-efficacy and grit can provide important insights into a student's ability to thrive in their academic and personal lives.
According to Amelia Parnell, vice president for research and policy at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, college success encompasses a range of skills and competencies beyond academic achievement. These include an ability to adapt to changing environments, to balance individual and community priorities, and to effectively manage personal and shared resources. Perhaps most importantly, college success also requires students to recognize their unique talents and contributions to the world, and to utilize these abilities to make a positive impact on their own lives and those around them.
By expanding our definition of college success in this way, we can better engage students in their own learning and development, and equip them with the tools they need to succeed not just in the classroom, but also in their future personal and professional lives.
IN FULL VIEW
The consequences for coming up short in the areas mentioned above apply not only to the students who leave. Our economy and our democracy rely upon maintaining and building an educated workforce and productive community.
With all things being considered, there are implications for U.S. college administrators and faculty members, education support providers, and policymakers alike. A visible and unrelenting focus on transformative practices and attitudes concerning a diverse student population (amid a changing American education landscape) makes colleges and universities more attractive. It also makes them more competitive, particularly when rising costs are causing a crisis in higher education as it struggles to prove the value of earning a degree.
The expected benefits of the transformation significantly outweigh the investments (i.e., the cost of professional development, the time it takes, and the risk of change).
Making It Happen
The bottom line is that all students, regardless of their background, deserve successful college outcomes. The fact that only 60 percent of students who enroll in college earn a four-year degree within eight years is alarming. This rate becomes even more concerning when considering the disproportionately low rates for racial/ethnic minority and low-income student groups.
We cannot continue to accept this disparity as the norm. It is crucial to identify the key factors that influence students' educational decision-making and motivate them to persist in college enrollment. Factors such as financial aid accessibility, academic support, cultural competence, and mentorship can significantly impact a student's likelihood of completing their degree.
As advocates for equitable education, we must work towards creating an inclusive learning environment that allows all students to thrive. This requires a collective effort from educators, policy-makers, and community members to address systemic issues and provide appropriate resources to ensure that all students can achieve their full potential.
Ultimately, every student deserves the opportunity to succeed in college and beyond. It is our responsibility to ensure that this goal is achievable for all students, regardless of their background. Let us strive towards creating a more equitable and inclusive education system that empowers every student to reach their goals.
At BEYOND COLLEGE ACCESS®, we're passionate about ensuring every student successfully navigates the learning journey, from their earliest educational experiences to their graduation day and beyond. To help make this vision a reality, we focus on three strategic areas of concentration as part of our mission: Enabling successful student transitions, promoting student growth and development, and enhancing student motivation to persist to degree completion.
Through research-based and innovative practices, we can help more students achieve their academic goals and get the support they need to succeed. By implementing and evaluating these practices in educational and community settings, we can make a significant impact on the lives of many students.
Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help your organization and the students you serve achieve success.