Cerritos College Students Are Completing Their Education Faster than Ever Before

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 20, 2023

Media Contact:  Aya Aoki; Public Affairs

NORWALK, Calif. – April 20, 2023 – Cerritos College is shortening students' time to complete their degrees, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022 data feedback report.

The number of Cerritos College students graduating within two years has doubled over the last five years, and students graduating within three years have increased by nearly 50 percent. On average, Cerritos College students complete their degrees and certificates in less time than other local institutions, giving them an edge at transferring or entering the job market. 

Completing a degree on time helps avoid accruing additional years of expenses and allows students to advance their social mobility faster. Based on these findings, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees is working to establish ambitious goals to further increase graduation rates, improve academic momentum, and achieve early course success. 

“Our talented faculty, staff, and administrators are going above and beyond to reduce barriers so that our students can complete their education,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “We want our students to increase their earning potential sooner rather than later and as an institution, we are ready to strive for the next level of student achievement.”

To achieve its ambitious goals that will boost students’ success, the College will establish a comprehensive master plan to launch in spring 2025. This plan will include key performance indicators that will help Cerritos College develop interventions that ultimately support students in completing their degree and certificate goals in less time.

 

About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu

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