The Lone Star College System ranks third in the nation among two-year institutions in the number of associate degrees awarded for the 2012–13 school year, according to a report by Community College Week.

At Lone Star, 4,208 students graduated with an associate degree this year.

"On a national level, the community college mission has always been about providing access to higher education for students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to go to college," said Lee Ann Nutt, vice president of instruction at Lone Star College–Tomball. "That is still an important part of it, but on a national and local level, we need to make sure the students we attract finish college. We want people to come in here and succeed."

LSCS opened an Office of Completion last summer to help ensure students complete their associate degrees.

"It's an easy misinterpretation that we just want you to get through," Nutt said. "That's not the message. What you learn along the way matters the most. The more you are learning along the way, the more likely you are to complete your degree."

Employees in the Tomball region with an associate degree earn on average $1,308 more per month than those with only a high school diploma, said Nicole Finkbeiner, a spokeswoman for Lone Star College–Tomball.

LSCS, which was ranked fourth in the poll last year, has seen unprecedented growth in the past five years, adding 30,000 students, college officials said. LSCS passed Houston Community College in the rankings, which was ranked fourth this year. There are more than 90,000 students who attend LSCS's six campuses.

Community College Week, a biweekly publication serving community, technical and junior colleges, ranked Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana as the top two-year institution awarding associate degrees, with 8,940 students graduating. Northern Virginia Community College is ranked second with 5,452 graduates.

For a full list of the rankings, see www.ccweek.com.