Research on the Perspectives of Community College Noncredit Students

Little research has been conducted on students students enrolled in noncredit workforce courses and programs at community colleges and their understanding of different program options and their economic returns. Some experts have asserted that students in noncredit and short-term workforce programs are among the nation's most vulnerable students and may not be well-served by these programs, some of which have low returns. 

AIR is working with Rutgers Education and Employment Research Center to carry out a qualitative study on these students. Students at three colleges—Mount San Antonio College, CA; LaGuardia Community College, New York City; and Northern Virginia Community College—will be interviewed to understand how they choose and experience their programs. 

This research will help shed light on these students' motivations and aspirations, prior education and employment histories, and experiences with their programs and colleges.