Study Shows Comprehensive Support Boosts Community College Success and Wages

Wraparound services help students overcome barriers to completion and achieve higher earnings.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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A new study from the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab found that community college students who receive comprehensive 'wraparound' support services, such as academic tutoring, career counseling, and personal assistance, are 63% more likely to earn a degree within eight years and see an average annual income increase of around $14,000 seven years after starting the program, compared to their peers without the same level of support.

Why it matters

Community colleges are often seen as pathways to social mobility, but simply providing access isn't enough. Many students face significant barriers like financial hardship, childcare needs, and emotional challenges that can prevent them from completing their studies. The research highlights the critical importance of holistic support systems in unlocking the full potential of community colleges to transform lives and communities.

The details

The study focused on the impact of the One Million Degrees (OMD) program, which provides a range of wraparound services to community college students. Participants in the OMD program were 63% more likely to earn any degree within eight years compared to 55% of their peers without the support. OMD students also saw an average annual income increase of around $14,000 seven years after starting the program. The success of programs like OMD underscores the fact that many community college students face complex, systemic barriers beyond just tuition costs, and that comprehensive, personalized support is key to helping them overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.

  • The University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab study was published in March 2026.

The players

Tiara Davis

A student at Kennedy-King College in Chicago who initially aimed to 'keep her head down and get her degree' but was connected with a coordinator from One Million Degrees, which provided resources and encouragement that helped her navigate challenges and ultimately pursue a bachelor's degree, a goal that was initially beyond her plans.

One Million Degrees (OMD)

A non-profit organization that provides comprehensive 'wraparound' support services to community college students, including academic tutoring, career counseling, help with navigating college systems, and personal support during times of crisis.

Kelly Hallberg

The scientific director for the Inclusive Economy Lab at the University of Chicago, who explained that the most significant impact of programs like OMD comes from supporting students who were initially unsure about attending college, 'taking a potential non-college student and making them not only a college student, but a college student that's more likely to complete.'

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What they’re saying

“It's basically taking a potential non-college student and making them not only a college student, but a college student that's more likely to complete.”

— Kelly Hallberg, Scientific Director, Inclusive Economy Lab, University of Chicago

What’s next

Ongoing research, like the continuing work of the Inclusive Economy Lab, is crucial for refining support models and maximizing the effectiveness of wraparound services for community college students.

The takeaway

The success of programs like One Million Degrees highlights the critical importance of comprehensive, personalized support systems in helping community college students overcome systemic barriers and unlock their full potential, leading to higher completion rates, better employment outcomes, and increased earnings.