American Dreams Are Powered By College Completion
Complete College America is at the center of a movement to restore the promise of higher education as the most powerful way to advance social mobility, economic opportunity, and racial justice. We advocate for policy change, create new conditions on campuses, and support the implementation of student success strategies so more students can reach their goal of attaining a college degree or valued workplace credential.
Our Work
CCA has a long history of identifying and sharing evidence-based strategies that improve college success. From new remediation approaches to structured course pathways, we’re committed to helping colleges and universities create student-centered campuses that remove unnecessary barriers to degrees completion. In 2020, we defined 4 pillars of success—and a set of corresponding strategies—that must be at the center of all student-centered higher education systems.
Shifting Policy
Advancing state, system and institutional policy that increases graduation rates.
Creating Conditions
Building student-centered campuses committed to eliminating barriers to graduation.
Implementing Strategies
Identifying, promoting, and implementing strategies that transform the student experience.
Purpose
Students thrive when their “why” is clear. We’re working to help students define a clear purpose and align the college experience to each student's goals for the future.
First-Year Experience
Career Exploration
Academic & Career Alignment
Adult Learner Engagement
Momentum
We must design multiple avenues for students to get started, earn credits faster, and stay on track to graduate. As students feel confident given their progress, they are better equipped to weather the challenges that arise.
Credit for Competency
Multiple Measures
Corequisite Support
Concurrent Enrollment
15 to Finish/Stay on Track
Structures
We help institutions build course road maps that make the path to a degree or valued workplace credential clear. By providing structure, institutions can help students focus on learning.
Math Pathways
Meta Majors
Academic Maps & Milestones
Smart Schedules
Stackable Certificates & Credentials
Support
There are lots of things that can get in the way of student success. By addressing student needs and removing barriers, we can ensure students have the best chance at success.
Active Academic Support
Proactive Advising
360° Coaching
Student Basic Needs Support
A New Way Forward
CCA is committed to college success for every student, but we know higher education wasn’t designed with every student in mind. The barriers to degree attainment—rooted in structural racism and inequality—have a disproportionate effect on Black, Latinx, first-generation, adult, and low-income learners. Our work focuses on advancing strategies that give all students the purpose, momentum, structure, and support they need to build on their talents and succeed in college and beyond. Join us in reigniting the promise of college success and providing a pathway for all students to achieve their dreams.
