Colby Community College has the highest graduation rates among all Kansas community colleges and owns the second-best retention rate, according to the 2022 Community College Data Book. The annual report, which evaluates the 19 Kansas community colleges, was released this week by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Data is based on the 2017 cohort of students. 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 years (100%) or three years (150%). Colby ranked first in both categories. The college graduated 41.1% in the two-year period and 54.4% over a three-year span.

The college had the second-highest retention rate among the sector at 65.8%, just half a percentage away from the top spot. 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.

"CCC's high graduation and retention rates are a testament to the efforts of our students, faculty and staff, Trustees, and the community as a whole," said President Dr. Seth Carter. "The college's student outcomes illustrate a commitment to sustained academic excellence and achievement."