Early Momentum Metrics to Build On

This research brief examines nine early momentum metrics (EMMs) in community colleges, demonstrating how students’ first-year progress in credit accumulation, gateway course completion, and persistence strongly predicts their long-term credential completion rates across different student populations. By examining nine EMMs that strongly predict student completion rates, this resource provides you with actionable data to evaluate…

This research brief examines three “early momentum metrics” that can predict long-term student success in college: credit momentum, gateway momentum, and program momentum. You should use these metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your guided pathways reforms and focus your efforts on creating strong foundations for student success from the very beginning of their college…