Veterans Lead the Way in Strong Course Success Rates
East Central College’s course success this past spring indicates steady progress over the past several years — particularly among military veterans.
ECC reported an 82.7 percent course success rate in Spring 2025, holding steady compared to Spring 2024. The data also showed an 83 percent success rate for the 2024–25 academic year, reflecting continued improvement and the college’s highest level since before the pandemic.
ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter presented the information to the ECC Board of Trustees on Oct. 13, noting that the success rate represents the percentage of course enrollments earning a grade of A, B, C, or Pass, including dual credit courses.
“ECC’s overall course success rate represents steady progress over the past several years and the college’s highest performance since before the pandemic,” Walter explained. “It’s a reflection of the effort students put into their education and the support systems we’ve built to help them succeed.”
Veteran students continue to achieve strong academic outcomes at ECC. In Spring 2025, Veterans achieved an 84.8 percent course success rate, compared to the overall rate of 82.7 percent. More notably, Pell-eligible Veterans reached a 92.7 percent success rate, far exceeding the 75.4 percent rate of non-Pell veterans.
Walter said these findings highlight the college’s commitment to supporting learners of all backgrounds.
“Our Veteran students consistently show exceptional perseverance,” she said. “Their success, particularly among those with financial need, underscores the effectiveness of ECC’s student-centered approach and the dedication of our faculty and staff.”
ECC’s strong academic performance extends beyond veterans. Students under 18 achieved a 93.9 percent success rate, while adult learners aged 25–39 and 40+ earned 80.8 percent and 83.2 percent, respectively.
The college’s course success rate continues to exceed both the state and national 50th percentiles, and ECC’s fall-to-fall student retention rate climbed to 67.8 percent, signaling that more students are persisting from year to year.
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer said these results demonstrate the strength of the college’s mission and its focus on student success. “Our students’ success is a reflection of the hard work of our faculty and staff and the resilience of our learners,” he said. “Seeing our Veterans, adult learners, and traditional students all performing at such a high level reinforces our belief that success is within reach for every ECC student.”
