Stability of Educational Expectations Among Baccalaureate Aspirants Beginning at Community Colleges

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, this study explored factors that predict stability of educational expectations among baccalaureate aspirants beginning at community colleges. Based on a nationally representative sample of baccalaureate-aspiring high school seniors of 2004 who entered community colleges as their first postsecondary institutions, this study tested a logistic regression model and found that among precollege characteristics, students ’ SES and perceived importance of getting a good education were positively related to the likelihood of retaining baccalaureate expectations 2 years after high school graduation. Among postsecondary predictors, the likelihood of students ’ persistence in baccalaureate expectations was positively influenced by interaction with faculty members outside of class and studying in school libraries, but was negatively associated with having reading remediation, receiving financial aid, and being married. These findings have implications for community colleges in providing effective educational practices to help students move forward toward their degree goals