Transfer Model Eases Path to Bachelor's Degree

"“At Duquesne, I realized I wasn't outgoing and mostly kept to myself,” Rohrbaugh said. “I was more introverted than extroverted, and because it was such a huge school, I was scared to really talk to anyone.”"

"Rohrbaugh now plans to transfer to Lebanon Valley this fall, thanks to the program's combination of dual-admission and personalized transfer advising, which she said gave her the confidence to continue pursuing her degree. “Taking classes at two different schools at the same time was a little difficult at first because I didn't know how it would play out,” Rohrbaugh said. “But [the partnership] made it easy. At HACC I was taking classes online, so going to classes at Lebanon Valley gave me that in-person experience.”"

"“Just going to classes, seeing the professors and meeting other students really helped me realize I wanted to learn more in person,” she added. Launched last year, the partnership allows Pell-eligible students like Rohrbaugh to take up to four courses at HACC's Lebanon campus, which is located on the campus of Lebanon Valley, at no cost while still attending HACC. This early exposure to a four-year college helps address challenges that often derail transfer student success, said Julie Denniston, transfer student adviser at Lebanon Valley."

"“We know college is expensive,” Denniston said. “If students can take roughly $3,000 off per course and complete up to four courses through the partnership, "

Madison Rohrbaugh found a large university environment overwhelming and left Duquesne University. She returned to her small hometown in Pennsylvania and took general education classes online through Harrisburg Area Community College as a first-generation college student. A partnership between HACC and Lebanon Valley College made earning a bachelor’s degree feel achievable again. She plans to transfer to Lebanon Valley using dual-admission and personalized transfer advising that increased her confidence. Taking classes at two schools initially felt difficult, but the partnership provided an easier path by combining online coursework with in-person classes. Early exposure to a four-year college helps reduce barriers that can derail transfer success, especially for students facing high costs.

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