Community college can be a gateway to a 4-year degree. But Indiana has one of the worst success rates in the nation.

By DYLAN PEERS MCCOY Community colleges are often touted as an affordable start for students who aim to earn four-year degrees. And it’s for good reason: The average annual tuition and fees for two-year colleges is& less than $4,000. But fewer than one in 10 Indiana students who enroll in community college go on to earn degrees from four-year institutions, according to& recently released federal data. Indiana has the third lowest success rate in the country.& “It’s ridiculous,” said Tyre’k Swanigan, a former Ivy Tech Community College student from Indianapolis. “It pisses me off honestly, because I was at Ivy Tech. And this is me. Like, this number — I’m a part of that.” Community colleges offer two-year degrees and short-term certificate programs that can help students get good jobs. But bachelor’s degrees can ultimately lead to higher incomes. And& about 80 percent of U.S. community college students& say they plan to transfer to four-year schools.& Swanigan, 23, knew he wanted a bachelor’s degree when he enrolled. He started at community college because it was flexible and convenient. “I could still have my full-time job and then make it to my classes on time,” he said. He did well at...