Does the Vocational Focus of Community Colleges Hinder Students' Educational Attainment?

This study examines the effects of vocational focus of community colleges on students' educational attainment. By examining different aspects of vocational education and three distinct student outcomes, the results demonstrate variation in the extent to which institutional focus on vocational training influences students' progress through higher education. Controlling for individual and state characteristics, this study found that the vocational focus of associate degree programs has no negative effects on students' educational attainment. However, when institutions move away from degree-granting programs and focus on awarding short-term certificates, students' likelihood of earning associate degrees is adversely affected.