Community Colleges Use Technology to Boost Student Success

Community colleges play a vital role in higher education, accounting for nearly a third of all undergraduate students in the U.S. according to the most recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse. Two-year institutions support workforce development and can evolve to fit the needs of the local economy as needed.

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to more quickly adopt and test new technology, transforming student services to better meet the needs of modern learners, because their student population turns over every two years compared to the traditional 4-year university. This article explores how community colleges are leveraging technology in student services and payment solutions.

The Evolving Role of Community Colleges

Community colleges serve a diverse range of students, from recent high school graduates to working adults. From traditional students working towards an associates degree to adult learners working to advance their careers through specialized certificate programs to non-degree continuing education, the variety of course and class options is vast. This diversity creates unique challenges in delivering the seamless digital experience that simplifies the academic and financial journeys of today’s students.

To meet these expectations, community colleges are adopting innovative technologies like mobile platforms and integrated systems. These tools help ensure students can access the resources they need, whenever and wherever they need them. By prioritizing digital transformation, community colleges are creating more supportive environments for their students.

Enhancing Student Services at Community Colleges

Community colleges are implementing innovative technologies to improve student services and expand the campus experience to accommodate the wide range of students they serve. The strategy behind many of these tactics is to increase the access that students have to student services beyond normal day-time office hours.

Examples of expanding community college student services include:

• Virtual One-Stop Shop for Student Services: Consolidating multiple student services into one location isn’t a new concept. However, community colleges are implementing solutions to make it even easier to support students where they are. This includes expanded self-service options with solutions like TouchNet Bill+Payment which makes it possible for students to make payments, enroll in payment plans, and manage tuition refunds all in one place, and administrative tools like Student Account Advisor which empowers staff to better serve students by providing a comprehensive view of the student account. Hear how Portland Community College has unified student services into a one-stop shop.
• Mobile Campus ID Solution: Mobile students IDs provide a lot of benefits to students and institutions, but it goes beyond the convenience of your campus ID on your phone. With TouchNet Campus ID and 360u App, students can upload their photo and create a digital version of their student ID without having to visit the campus card office. Additionally, if a student loses their phone, they can access their student ID account from a desktop and deactivate their ID so that it can’t be used elsewhere. Students at Sheridan College share how their mobile ID has improved their student experience.

These advancements improve accessibility and convenience, ensuring that students spend less time navigating administrative hurdles and more time focusing on their education.

Simplifying Community College Payment Solutions

Financial hardship and a perceived lack of support from the institution are two of the top factors that sway students' decision to drop out. Providing flexible payment options during the tuition payment experience can support student success and simplify backend management for community college administrators.

Modern payment solutions enable community colleges to:

• Tailor billing practices: Depending on the type of programs/courses offered and the student populations served, different payment structures might be called for, especially when supporting non-traditional students. With the right higher ed payment solution, you can offer design billing practices that support student success.
• Offer flexible payment plans: Akin to billing practices, community college payment plans are a simple way to make college more affordable for working students by making it possible for them to pay as they go. With TouchNet Payment Plans, colleges can create unique tuition installment plans to address the needs of different student categories, and allow students to self-enroll in the payment plan built for their needs. Please note, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) takes the position that institutions that offer payment plans should be considered lenders and therefore subject to regulations such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) that include standards for annual percentage rate (APR) disclosures.
• Balance accounts receivable: By tailoring billing practices and offering payment plans, community colleges can better manage their accounts receivable and balance cash flows throughout the year. Some institutions find that offering early payment plans can help students and families get a jump start on paying tuition bills.

A great example of putting these principles into practice can be seen at Alamo Colleges District. The community college system recently transformed its billing practices and payment experiences to better support student success. With more than 69,000 students at five independently accredited colleges, a unified platform like TouchNet payment solutions was the key to helping make higher education affordable. Learn more about Alamo Colleges District’s story here.

Why Early Adoption of Technology Matters

Community colleges are embracing technology to lead in payments and student services, creating a more accessible, efficient, and satisfying experience for students. As they continue to adopt innovative solutions, these institutions are not only meeting the needs of today’s learners but also setting the stage for the future of higher education.

Looking ahead, technologies like artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and enhanced cybersecurity will continue to shape the community college landscape. By staying ahead of the curve, these institutions can ensure long-term success for their students and themselves.

If you are interested in learning more about how TouchNet solutions can support community colleges, contact our team for a consultation.