Colleges Shift Focus to Post-Completion Outcomes

Experts say credential completion is not enough, colleges must ensure students reach their goals after graduation.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a graduation cap icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the shift in higher education to focus on post-completion outcomes for students.As colleges shift their focus to ensuring students' success extends beyond just credential completion, the iconic symbol of graduation takes on new meaning in a vibrant pop art interpretation.Odessa Today

Colleges have shifted from a focus on access to student success, primarily credential completion. However, experts now say colleges need to focus on a different success metric: post-completion success. Colleges are being urged to ensure that what students complete enables them to reach their goals, whether that's a living-wage job or further education.

Why it matters

This shift in focus is crucial as data shows many students are not on a clear path to a good job or bachelor's degree after completing a credential. Colleges need to strengthen pathways to ensure students can achieve their goals after graduation.

The details

Colleges like Odessa College in Texas and Laramie County Community College in Wyoming have been leaders in guided pathways work, but are now realizing that completion alone is not enough. Odessa eliminated its general studies degree option after data showed it was 'doing them more harm than good.' LCCC has redesigned program on-ramps and pathways to increase retention, especially in programs that lead to good jobs. The colleges are also building stronger partnerships with employers and universities, and rethinking dual enrollment as a debt-free on-ramp to career-connected pathways.

  • Over the last 15 years, colleges have shifted their focus.
  • CCRC released the book 'More Essential than Ever' last summer, examining outcomes from guided pathways programs.
  • Odessa College eliminated its general studies degree option recently, after having about 1,000 students on that path.

The players

Davis Jenkins

Senior research scholar at Columbia University's Community College Research Center (CCRC).

Greg Williams

President of Odessa College in Texas.

Joe Schaffer

President of Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Wyoming.

Hana Lahr

Assistant director of research and director of applied learning at CCRC.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Completion is not enough. Colleges need to ensure what they complete enables them to reach their goals.”

— Davis Jenkins, Senior research scholar, CCRC

“We were doing them more harm than good. We were taking their money, taking up their time, and they're not able to be effective when they leave.”

— Greg Williams, President, Odessa College

“The guided pathways movement helped us to redesign at scale. We were feeling good about getting students across the stage.”

— Joe Schaffer, President, LCCC

What’s next

Colleges are being urged to continue strengthening their pathways to ensure students can achieve their goals after graduation, including helping transfer-intending students develop major-specific transfer plans, helping students in low-value workforce programs build career advancement plans, and ensuring dual enrollment provides on-ramps to career-connecting pathways.

The takeaway

This shift in focus from just credential completion to post-completion success is crucial as colleges work to provide students with clear, affordable, and completable paths to better lives. By strengthening partnerships and rethinking program design, colleges can ensure students are truly prepared for their next steps after graduation.