This article, The Community College Pipeline (September 10, 2012) by Doug Lederman reports on a new National Student Clearinghouse study which shows the nationwide impact of community colleges. A large percentage of students who earn bachelors degrees have spent time in a community college classroom. In Illinois, a majority (54%) of students graduating with a bachelors degree have taken classes at a community college.
For a large number of students, community colleges are a primary avenue to bachelors and graduate degrees. We provide important access to higher education.