Date of Award

8-31-2026

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Public Policy

First Advisor

Mark Warren

Second Advisor

Dania Francis

Third Advisor

Monnica Chan

Abstract

Several students who intend to matriculate into college do not ultimately achieve that goal Summer melt is the term for the phenomenon of qualified students who intended to matriculate directly after graduating high school not doing so. Enrollment melt expands this framework to include students coming both from high school and those coming from the workforce. This dissertation examines the phenomenon of enrollment melt specifically for community college students. It is made up of three distinct but connected studies. The first utilizes a national, longitudinal dataset from the Department of Education to understand the extent of melt and the factors that are most correlated with the phenomenon. The next two studies each use a semi-structured interview methodology to understand community colleges in Massachusetts, with one focusing on community college staff perspectives on the phenomenon. The final study of the dissertation uses interview methodology to understand student barriers and challenges as they progress to matriculation.

The studies of this dissertation contribute to the literature by expanding understanding of enrollment melt for community college students and speaking to the larger literature of students in transition. Findings from both quantitative and qualitative studies reveal that high school factors have small correlation with instances of enrollment melt. Similarly, when facing challenges in the transition, students look to their intended community college for assistance, rather than high schools supports. Additionally, findings indicate that relationships, whether with community college faculty and staff or with supportive parents are highly associated with successful transitions. These combined three studies provide policy recommendations including expanded bridge programming, wrap-around community college services, and the financial support to promote matriculation for intended community college students.

Comments

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Available for download on Friday, September 01, 2028

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