Student Decisions to Attend Public Two-Year Community Colleges

This study examined reasons for student choice of a specific community college. The site of the study is a west Texas public, two-year institution with 4,674 students, full- and part-time, as of fall 2008. The top six reasons for selection were transferability of courses, available academic programs and quality, campus location, cost, available educational facilities and technology, and advice from family and friends. The next six reasons were financial aid, college reputation, campus safety, college web site, campus activities and recreational facilities, and athletic teams and sports. Improving the college product and addressing needs of various students regionally, nationally, and internationally must be priorities for community colleges.