Student Issues / Attending College

The Importance of Academic Advising in Community College

Introduction
In today’s evolving higher-education landscape, academic advising has emerged as a pivotal support mechanism for students at community colleges. For many enrolling in a two-year institution, success hinges not just on coursework, but on strategic planning, timely guidance and proactive intervention. In this article, we examine why academic advising matters for community college students, update the discussion with 2025 data and policy considerations, and offer insights and examples that are valuable to students, parents and educators alike.

Why Academic Advising Matters
Academic advising helps bridge intention and outcome—especially in community colleges, where students are more likely to juggle work, family obligations, remedial coursework or transfers to four-year institutions. As one commentator put it, “What students are more likely to do is meet multiple times with an adviser, and those students are more engaged and persist longer.” The Hechinger Report
In practical terms, advising supports:

• Course selection and sequencing so that students stay on track;

• Identifying transfer pathways or workforce credentials;

• Connecting students to resources (tutoring, financial aid, career services);

• Helping clarify goals and aligning major choice to career outcomes;

• Anticipating and navigating obstacles such as holds, remedial requirements, or policy changes.

2025 Snapshot: Community Colleges and Advising Landscape
By 2025, several key trends provide fresh context:

How Academic Advising Impacts Student Success in Community Colleges

Introduction
In the community college environment, where open access meets diverse learner needs, the role of academic advising has moved from optional support to strategic imperative. In 2025, as colleges face mounting pressures for retention, completion, and equity, the function of academic advising stands out as a key lever for student success. This article explores how structured academic advising influences outcomes at two-year institutions, what effective models look like, and how leaders can implement advising practices that truly make a difference.

What is Academic Advising in the Community College Context?
Academic advising is more than course scheduling; it involves guiding students through program selection, career goals, academic planning, and navigating institutional systems. One prominent framework emphasises that effective advising is: sustained throughout a student’s tenure, strategic in resource deployment, integrated with other student supports, proactive in outreach, and personalised to student interests and needs. Community College Research Center

At community colleges, advising must account for diverse student populations—working adults, first-generation students, part-time learners, and English-language learners. These complexities demand advice that goes beyond “here’s your schedule” to “how will you make this plan work for you?”

Why Academic Advising Matters for Student Success
Research over the last decade has increasingly shown a positive relationship between academic advising and key success metrics: persistence, credit accumulation, registration for future terms, and completion. For example, a 2024 study of a large multi-campus community college found that students who

The Pros and Cons of On-Campus Housing for Community College (Updated 2025)

As more community colleges explore expanding or improving on-campus housing in 2025, students, parents, and educators need a clear understanding of what living in college-operated housing truly means. For many nontraditional and traditional students alike, the decision to live on campus involves trade-offs. This article updates the pros and cons using current trends, policy changes, costs, and examples to help inform that choice.

How Common Is On-Campus Housing at Community Colleges?

Recent data show the presence of on-campus housing in community colleges is slowly growing:

• About 26.6% of U.S. public two-year (community) colleges now offer college-operated, on-campus housing. That’s up from ~22.8% in 2010. Community College Daily

• In many states, there are very few community colleges with dorms; some states have none. But 38 states have at least one public two-year college with housing. Community College Daily

• California provides a useful example: as of 2025, a report from the California Community Colleges system shows that 16 colleges are offering student housing, accommodating over 3,800 students. cccco.edu

So while community college housing is still not the norm, it is becoming more common and more visible as part of broader student support strategies.

Pros of On-Campus Housing for Community College

Will My Child’s Credits Transfer? A Parent’s Guide (2025 Edition)

Introduction

For many families, the question “Will my child’s credits transfer?” arises when a student considers moving from one school to another—whether between private schools, public schools, or into a community college or university system. In 2025, credit transfer remains a vital issue for parents balancing affordability, flexibility, and long-term planning. While the concept seems straightforward, the policies governing credit transfer are complex, varying widely by state, district, and institution.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how transfer credit works, the challenges parents may face, and strategies to ensure smooth academic progress for their children.

1. Why Credit Transfer Matters

When credits transfer successfully, students:

• Save time by avoiding repeated courses.

• Save money by reducing tuition costs.

• Stay motivated knowing their work counts toward graduation.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who lose fewer than 10% of their credits during transfer are far more likely to graduate on time than peers who lose half or more. With college tuition still rising—community college tuition averages around $5,100 per year while private four-year tuition often exceeds $40,000—credit transfer can significantly affect family finances and student outcomes.

2. Credit Transfer in K–12 Schools

Credit transfer isn’t just a higher education issue. Families often face it when moving between public, private, or international schools.

• Public to Public: Most districts honor core subject credits, though electives may be evaluated case by case.

• Private to Public: Policies vary; parents should confirm

The Top 10 Tips for Incoming Community College Students – Updated 2025

Welcome, new community college students (and their advisors and families)! Starting community college in 2025 presents new opportunities—and a few familiar challenges. This guide offers practical, updated advice to help you begin with confidence and clarity.

Why These Tips Matter Now

Today’s students face a balancing act. Over 70% apply for financial aid, but only 58% actually receive support. Tuition and fees at a public two-year college average about $4,050 per year, yet when housing, food, and transportation are included, the total yearly cost is closer to $16,000 (Center for American Progress). Careful planning—and early action—makes all the difference.

Top 10 Tips for Incoming Students in 2025 1. Apply for Financial Aid Early (and Apply Broadly)

Submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens. In 2023–24, only 61% of fall enrollees submitted by the deadline (Education Data Initiative). Missing out means leaving free money on the table. Each $1,000 in aid can raise persistence rates by up to 2%. States like Massachusetts are even considering proposals for tuition-free community college plus stipends (AP News).

2. Know Your Costs Beyond Tuition

Tuition covers only 20% of a student’s budget; housing and food represent more than half of total expenses. Books, transportation, and childcare can also add up. Use your school’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your true cost of attendance.

3. Attend Orientation and Meet Your Advisor

Orientation