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Key Takeaways

Over a third of community college credentials don’t lead to living-wage jobs, pushing colleges to prove program value.

Colleges that partner with employers on in-demand fields, like nursing and radiography, are seeing rapid enrollment gains.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e

Students are increasingly looking beyond earning a college degree or credential. They want to know whether their education will lead to meaningful employment, better earnings, and long-term career opportunities. As expectations shift toward tangible career outcomes , community colleges are facing growing pressure to demonstrate the value of the programs they offer.

A July 2026 report from the Aspen Institute and Columbia University’s Community College Research Center highlights the challenge.…