AMERICAN DREAMS ARE FUELED BY COLLEGE DEGREES
A college education has always been the most effective way to increase social mobility, advance economic opportunity, and realize racial justice. But it’s an achievement that’s beyond the reach of far too many students—through no fault of their own. Complete College America is restoring the promise of higher education by advocating for forward-thinking policies, identifying effective strategies, and advancing proven tactics that guarantee more students earn college diplomas or credentials that prepare them for success.
<20%of community college students graduate in two years
38%of today's undergraduates are older than 25
10%increase in credentials and degrees awarded by the CCA Alliance since 2015
An All-of-the-Above Approach to Equity
Our nation’s higher-education system is in need of serious reform, from classrooms all the way to state capitols. That’s why CCA insists on an all-of-the-above approach to shifting policy, perspective, and practice—the only way to ensure lasting change that produces more equitable outcomes for students.
Policy
Advancing policies that increase graduation rates across institutions, states, and the entire higher-ed system.
Perspective
Shifting mindsets to build student-centered campuses and remove barriers to graduation.
Practice
Promoting strategies that transform the student experience—then helping colleges implement those strategies successfully.
Meeting Students Where They Are
If colleges and universities are to meet the needs of working students, older adults, and students of color, we must support the institutions that enroll these students in the greatest numbers. So CCA is working to expand and deepen our connections to community colleges, rural colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
Designing the College Experience Around Students
Evidence shows that what’s too often framed as student failure is, in reality, an institutional failure. CCA has identified four critical areas along the student journey—and corresponding strategies—to help states and institutions increase graduation rates, which is the key to achieving true equity.
Momentum
Designing multiple avenues for students to get started, earn credits faster, and stay on track to graduate.
Structure
Building course road maps that make the path to a degree or valued workplace credential clear.
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Courageous Leaders Wanted
Complete College America has been leading the movement for higher-ed reform for years—working with courageous leaders to build the colleges and universities of the future. If your institution is ready to make meaningful changes that put students on a pathway to graduation, we’ve got the tools and strategies to make it happen. Join our efforts to restore the promise of a college degree for hundreds of thousands of Americans.
