For the sixth time in nine years, Colby Community College is at the top for graduation and has the highest retention rate for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 Kansas Community College Data Book. The annual report, which evaluates the 19 Kansas community colleges, is published by the Kansas Board of Regents.

The graduation rate is measured by the percentage of first-time, full-time students who begin and complete an associate degree from the same institution. Colby ranked first, with 51.4% of students completing within two years.

Retention is measured by the number of first-time, full-time degree-seeking students attending an institution for the fall semester and returning for the following fall semester. The sector rate was highest at Colby, with 64.7% in the 2021 cohort. It is the fourth time in five years CCC has led the state.

"This sustained excellence is a testament to students, employees, the Board of Trustees, and the communities we serve," said CCC President Dr. Seth Carter. "These accolades are exceptionally important because they directly reflect our student's accomplishments and long-term success."

CCC continues to grow enrollment, posting the second-highest percentage of student headcount over the last five years and the second-highest percentage of full-time equivalency enrollment over the same period. Among the community college sector, only Colby reported positive enrollment growth over the last decade.