At Cerritos College, students are graduating faster than before

NORWALK – 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.