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According to the rankings, which were released in 2012, 46 percent of MCCC students graduated or transferred to a four year college within three years. Only Schoolcraft College, also in Michigan, ranked higher at 59 percent.
College Measures, a joint venture of the American Institutes of Research and Matrix Knowledge Group, created a chart for CNN Money to help students find the best options.
Based on the percentage of students that graduated within three years or transferred to four year colleges, they compiled a “success rating” for each community college in the U.S.
They did not count community colleges with less than 200 full time freshman students.
According to the article, a college’s student success rate is one factor students should consider before enrolling to a college.
With the article from CNN, MCCC students are feeling encouraged about their futures.
“My job opportunities when I’m done might be a little better,” said Stephanie Boulay, Respiratory student.
To some, the news came as a surprise.
“It’s kind of a big deal being that we’re such a small community,” said Brandy Shillinger, Respiratory Therapy student.
To others, it wasn’t very shocking.
“I’m not surprised,” said Richard Seiler, Computer Information Technology student. “At a smaller school teachers are better able to take care of students.”
MCCC President Kojo Quartey told the College Board of Trustees Monday night how he uncovered the hidden MCCC achievement.
Quartey said he wanted to know how MCCC ranked in respect with other community colleges, but did not have any solid information about it.
He discovered that CNN had rated Midwestern community colleges last year, giving MCCC national recognition.
“It’s a good thing, but we still have a ways to go,” Quartey said. “It’s a story worth telling.”
The complete rankings can be viewed at www.money.cnn/pf/college/community-colleges.
