From Community College to Baccalaureate Degree: Does an Associate Degree Matter?

This research aimed to determine if community college students who complete an associate degree before transferring are likelier to complete a baccalaureate degree than those who transfer before completing an associate degree. Additionally, this study examined if the type of institution, public vs. private, that a student transfers to impacts completing a baccalaureate degree. This research was conducted using 4,167 students who attended a community college between 2012 and 2018 and transferred to one of three baccalaureate institutions. Using data from the National Student Clearinghouse, this study showed that students who completed an associate degree prior to transfer were more likely to complete a baccalaureate degree. Additionally, the type of institution a student transferred to had a significant impact on the student's likelihood of completing the baccalaureate degree. In a society that recognizes the importance of a college education concerning lifelong earnings potential, this study's recommendations may help improve both associate and baccalaureate degree completion rates. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]