Community College Baccalaureate Programs: Access and Equity in the New Texas Economy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Quantitative Examinations of Community College Policies and Interventions (Table 7)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of community college baccalaureate programs (CCBP) at Texas community and technical colleges using statewide education data. Our findings reveal that community college baccalaureate programs have small but positive effects on the likelihood of students enrolling in community colleges, particularly among those who might not have pursued higher education otherwise. Additionally, these programs modestly increased the probability of bachelor’s degree attainment within four years of high school graduation. More significantly, a CCBP programs increased the likelihood of earning degrees in high-demand occupations, especially in students’ local areas. Further analysis shows that urban students, students with disabilities, and male students benefited most from CCBPs, although rural communities also saw improvements, albeit to a lesser extent.

Authors

• Jacob Kirksey, Texas Tech University

• Angela Crevar, Mercer University