Developmental Course Taking and Academic Outcomes for Community College Students Who Use Disability Services

ABSTRACT Enrollment in developmental courses is a measure of college readiness and a common experience among US college students, particularly those with disabilities at 2‐year colleges. In this study, we examine how enrollment in developmental coursework is associated with engagement and academic outcomes among students who use disability services. Using data from the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) 2021–2023 cohort ( N = 218,302 students, 481 community and technical colleges, 44 states) and multilevel structural equation modeling, we find that developmental course enrollment is associated with higher levels of engagement and perceived academic skills and career preparation. The results have implications for supporting students with disabilities in entering and completing college.