Understanding Graduation Rates at Baltimore City Community College

For students considering higher education in Baltimore, understanding the success rates at local institutions is essential. This article delves into the graduation and retention rates at Baltimore City Community College (BCCC), offering insights into student outcomes and factors influencing them.

BCCC Overview

Baltimore City Community College is a public community college located in Baltimore. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. It has a diverse student body and offers various programs. In 2023, the total enrollment was 3,939 students. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 45 different fields. Popular programs include: General Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.

Graduation Rate

As of 2023, Baltimore City Community College's graduation rate was approximately 12.5%. This figure represents the percentage of first-time, full-time students who graduate within 150% of the normal time expected to complete their program. For a two-year program, this means graduating within three years. It's important to note that this metric doesn't account for part-time students or those who transfer, which are common scenarios in community colleges.

Factors Influencing Graduation Rates

Several factors can influence graduation rates, including:

Student Demographics: BCCC has a diverse student population. In 2023, the enrolled student population was 68.7% Black or African American, 4.11% White, 3.43% Hispanic or Latino, 2.23% Two or More Races, 0.685% Asian, 0.203% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0762% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Financial Aid: In 2023, 73% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants. The average net price, after factoring in grants and loans, was $11,807.
Student Support: BCCC provides academic/career counseling services and placement services for completers. There is also on-campus day care for students' children.
Personal Circumstances: Students may encounter personal challenges or financial difficulties that extend their time to graduation.

Retention Rate

The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time, full-time students returning for their second year, is another key indicator of student success.

Read also: Community College Options

BCCC's Retention Rate

Baltimore City Community College has freshmen retention rates similar to the national average. With 36% students making it past their freshmen year. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Baltimore City Community College was 56%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Associates Colleges (64%), Baltimore City Community College had a retention rate lower than its peers.

Comparison to National and State Averages

Nationwide, the average first to second year retention rate is 70.57%. When looking at just colleges and universities in Maryland, the average is 71.84%.

Completion Rates and Student Outcomes

Beyond graduation and retention rates, it's valuable to examine broader completion rates and student outcomes over a longer period.

Eight-Year Completion Rate

Data indicates that after four years, 6% of the 2015 cohort graduated. After six years, 22% had completed their degree, and 22% after eight years. Approximately 6935 students, or 78% of the cohort, did not complete their degree within eight years. Of these non-completers, 2810 transferred to another institution, while Baltimore City Community College lost contact with the remaining 3951, who are assumed to have dropped out.

Factors Affecting Completion

It's important to recognize that these rates don't tell the whole story. Many students at community colleges are part-time, transfer students, or adult learners, and their pathways to completion may differ significantly.

Time to Complete

In 2023, 3% of students graduating from Baltimore City Community College completed their program within 100% "normal time". Comparatively, 10% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 13% within 200%.

Costs and Financial Aid

Understanding the costs associated with attending BCCC and the availability of financial aid is crucial for prospective students.

Tuition and Fees

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Baltimore City Community College is $2,640, which is $−5,613 less than the national average for Associates Colleges ($8,253). In 2023, the cost of tuition at Baltimore City Community College was $2,640. The cost of tuition at Baltimore City Community College is $−5,613 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Associates Colleges ($8,253).

Financial Aid

In 2023 Baltimore City Community College had an average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - of $11,807. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price of Baltimore City Community College grew by 67.5%. 73% of undergraduate students at Baltimore City Community College received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023.

Student Demographics and Success

Examining graduation rates by race and sex can provide insights into equity and areas for improvement.

Read also: Financial Aid at MICA

Graduation Rate by Race and Sex

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Baltimore City Community College is Male and White (66.7% graduation rate). The most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping at Baltimore City Community College is black or african american female (225 degrees awarded). There were 2.74 times more black or african american female recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american male (82 degrees).

Race & Ethnicity by Share

The most common race/ethnicity at Baltimore City Community College is black or african american (307 degrees awarded). There were 11.4 times more black or african american recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, white (27 degrees).

CollegeBound College Completion Program (CCP)

The CollegeBound College Completion Program (CCP) is a multi-year support network designed to meet students’ academic, financial, and socio-emotional needs. Since its launch in 2017 with just 44 students, CCP has grown significantly. CCP’s funding, wraparound services and continual support are making a significant difference in the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates. Our first two cohorts have a six-year graduation rate of 71%. These rates are nearly double the college graduation rate of Baltimore City public school graduates attending a 4-year college.

Broader Baltimore City Youth Outcomes

Understanding college enrollment and degree completion rates within the context of broader youth outcomes in Baltimore City provides a more comprehensive picture.

College Enrollment Rate

After increasing for four years in a row in Baltimore City, the college enrollment rate dropped significantly from 2019 (54.6%) to 2020 (49.6%), perhaps showing early effects of the pandemic (this decrease also occurred statewide).

Four-Year Degree Completion Rate

Four-year degree completion rates have increased in Baltimore City from 2018 (23.4%) to 2020 (28.0%).

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