ERIC EdInfo: "Hot" Community College Programs

"Hot" Community College Credit Programs

EdInfo 2002-05
July 2002
ERIC Clearinghouse for Community Colleges

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1998 and 2008 jobs requiring an associate’s degree are projected to increase 31.2 percent, from 4.9 million to 6.5 million. In 2000 the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) conducted a national survey of community colleges to identify their "hot" programs, those from which students are hired immediately upon graduation. The survey was sent to chief academic officers at more than 1,100 community colleges; a total of 205 colleges responded (a 19 percent response rate). Colleges indicated the number of students enrolled in "hot" programs, the average starting salary received by graduates and credit and non-credit programs added to the curriculum in response to specific business and industry demands. The top 15 "hot" credit programs identified by the AACC survey respondents were as follows:

Top 15 "Hot" Credit Programs	Average Starting Salary	Average Number of Students per Program
1. Registered Nursing	$32,757.01	128
2. General Computer Technologies	$34,242.19	221
3. Computer Networking	$38,767.94	170
4. Engineering-Electric/Electronics	$29, 464.29	103
5. Computer Technician/Networking	$36,092.15	122
6. Manufacturing Technology	$30,291.65	31
7. Radiology Technology	$32,478.27	22
8. Digital Media	$35,409.08	172
9. Computer Programming	$30,838.11	291
10. General Skilled Trades	$25,598.03	70
11. Law Enforcement	$27,975.27	65
12. Dental Hygiene	$41,907.12	37
13. Computer-Aided Design	$27,968.63	313
14. Automotive	$29,305.72	103
15. General Allied Health	$24,781.57	53

This information was reported in ED456883, "Hot Programs at Community Colleges. AACC Research Brief" by Maryam M. Nock and Christopher Shults. A full-text copy of this document may be obtained by contacting ERIC Document Reproduction Services (EDRS), 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852; or by calling (800) 443-ERIC. This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Education under contract number ED-99-CO-0010. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Education nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. ERIC EdInfos are in the public domain and may be freely reproduced.

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