Community colleges are a primary gateway to higher education for low-income and historically underserved students—yet the majority of those who enroll do not complete. A landmark new study confirms what many educators have long believed: when community college students receive comprehensive, wraparound support, they don’t just graduate at higher rates — they build lasting economic stability.

One Million Degrees, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, has spent more than two decades building and refining a holistic support model combining academic advising, personalized coaching, career development, and financial assistance. New findings from a rigorous randomized controlled trial show that students that participated in the One Million Degrees–City Colleges of Chicago program not only graduated at higher rates but also significantly increased earnings and economic stability.

Summary of the report: Chicago-Based Program Drove Significant Gains in Graduation Rates and Career Outcomes for Community College Students

Full working paper: Unpacking the Long-Term Impact of Holistic Supports for Community College Students