Colby Community College remained among the best in Kansas for graduation and retention rates while enrollment trends continue upward, according to the annual Kansas Board of Regents Community College Data Book. The report, which evaluates all 19 public community colleges in the state, was released earlier this week.

Graduation rates are measured by the percentage of first-time, full-time students who begin and complete an associate degree from the same institution within two, three, or four years. Colby had the third-highest two-year graduation rate (34.9%), the second-highest three-year mark (43.6%), and the highest rate (50.1%) in the four-year period.

For the second consecutive year, CCC claimed the highest retention rate among the sector at 68.3%. The retention rate is the number of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students attending an institution for the fall semester and return for the next fall semester.

Enrollment trends also continue to stay positive. Colby posted the largest increase in five-year student headcount at 27.3% between 2014 and 2019.

"Colby Community College continues to lead the state and be in the upper echelon of the nation because of the quality of students, employees, and the communities we serve," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "I am extremely proud to see this level of continued success, and I am blessed to be a part of it."

The complete Data Book is available on the Board of Regents website.