Student Right to Know/Completion and Graduation Rates

September 2008

STUDY RESULTS: Completion and graduation rates for a select group of Tacoma Community College students

In accordance with federal regulations, Tacoma Community College is reporting completion and graduation rates for a select group of students who entered the college in Fall 2004. The study identifies the percentages who had completed their programs or transferred by August 31, 2007.

The study group, as specified by federal law, includes only students who were:

• Enrolled in credit classes full time;
• Entering any college for the first time; and
• Seeking a degree or certificate or planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.

STUDY GROUP RESULTS

Of the total number of students registered at Tacoma Community College in Fall 2004, 8.6%* are included in this study group.

Completion rate as of August 31, 2007: 28.3%.

Transfer rate as of August 31, 2007: 21.7%.

*Based on Fall 2004 MIS headcount and IPEDS Graduation Rate Survey

DEFINITIONS

• Completion includes those who completed an academic or professional technical degree or certificate or earned at least 90 transferable credits with a 2.0 GPA or better.
• Transfer students continue their education by enrolling in another college or university.

These rates do not represent the success rates for the other 91.4% of students who attended Tacoma Community College in Fall 2004. They do not include any of the students who attended part time that fall, who enrolled full time but had previous college experience, or who took only a course or two to improve job or academic skills.

These rates do not take into account full-time students who later enrolled as part-time because of work or family commitments. They do not recognize that many community college students may take a quarter or more off from school because of other demands. They also do not take into account the students who have completed programs or transferred since August 31, 2007.

TACOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ATHLETICS

Students may request a copy of the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report as filed by the Athletic Department each October. This report provides a summary of participation rates; athletically related student aid; expenses related to athletics; and revenue generated through athletics. Students can also request graduation and transfer rates of athletes. Requests for this information should be made to the Athletic Director at 253.566.5097.