Many students who enroll in community colleges pursue associate degrees but often do not transition to universities for various reasons. One significant factor is financial compications. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (2020), many community college students face economic hardships that limit their ability to continue their education. The rising costs of tuition, coupled with living expenses, stop students from pursuing a bachelor’s degree after obtaining their associate degree. Additionally, academic preparation plays a crucial role in this dropout issue. Many community college students enter without adequate preparation for university-level coursework. A report from the Community College Research Center (2019) highlights that a substantial percentage of students require remedial classes, which can lengthen their time in school and demotivate them from transferring to a university. However, the challenges of balancing work and study cannot be overlooked. Many community college students juggle part-time or full-time jobs, making it difficult to find time to focus on their education. The stress of managing multiple responsibilities often leads to decreased motivation and higher dropout rates. According to the American Association of Community Colleges (2021), nearly 80% of community college students work while enrolled, which can lead to burnout. Over the years, transfer rates from community colleges to four-year institutions have steadily declined. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (2021) reports that only about 29% of students who start at community colleges eventually transfer to a university. This trend reflects the myriad difficulties students face, from financial burdens to academic challenges, ultimately impacting their educational trajectories and limiting access to higher earning potentials.

References
American Association of Community Colleges. (2021). Fast Facts.
– Community College Research Center. (2019). Remedial Course Completion in Community Colleges.
– National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2020). Completion and Transfer Rates of Undergraduate Students.
– National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (2021). Transfer and Mobility: A National View of Student Mobility for the Cohort of Students Who Started at Four-Year Institutions in Fall 2015.