The Returns to a Community College Education for Developmental Education Students

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Labor Market Outcomes of Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Community college coursework and credentials can yield substantial economic benefits to students. Thus far, however, research has not shed light on the economic returns to a community college education for a large student population that these institutions serve: students deemed academically underprepared who start college in developmental education. In this study, we explore this topic using longitudinal student-unit record data from two large community college systems linked to wage record data. We employ an individual fixed effects approach to estimate the returns to developmental and college course credits and common credentials for this student population.

Authors

• Michelle Hodara, Education Northwest

• Di Xu, community college research center, columbia university