This detailed study by Justin C. Ortagus from the University of Florida explores the effects of varying levels of online course enrollment on degree completion at community colleges. It specifically focuses on the completion rates among Black, Hispanic, and low-income students, using data from a high-enrollment community college to perform a nuanced analysis with a propensity score weighting approach.
Main Takeaways:
- Positive Effects of Limited Online Enrollment: Lower levels of online course enrollment (1-74%) correlate positively with degree completion rates among community college students, suggesting that a moderate amount of online education can be beneficial.
- Negative Effects of Exclusive Online Enrollment: Enrolling exclusively in online courses has a detrimental effect on the likelihood of degree completion across all subgroups studied, significantly lowering graduation rates.
- Subgroup Variations: The study finds that Black and Hispanic students benefit from a hybrid approach (mixing online and face-to-face courses) but are negatively impacted when enrolled entirely online. The same pattern holds for low-income students.
- Policy Implications: The findings suggest that while online courses can provide necessary flexibility and access, reliance solely on online learning can hinder students' academic success, particularly for vulnerable groups. Policymakers and educators should consider these dynamics when designing educational programs and support systems.