Transfer: What's Working and Where Further Reform Is Needed

"As part of National Transfer Student Week, hundreds of college campuses are hosting public celebrations to uplift their transfer student communities, including many in our home state of California. While these celebrations are important to increase visibility and a sense of belonging, transfer students warrant our attention and support year-round. The data demonstrate why: While 80 percent of community college students nationally aspire to earn a bachelor's degree, just 17 percent of community college students in California reach that finish line within six years."

"As former transfer students from the California Community Colleges who have worked in various capacities to improve transfer, including working directly with students through admissions, partnering with higher education system leaders to implement statewide legislation like Assembly Bill 928 and educating lawmakers and system leaders on the gaps that persist as policy fellows with the Campaign for College Opportunity, we know these challenges firsthand. Reflecting on our own transfer journeys and professional experience,"

"When we began our community college journeys, we had no idea where the road might lead us: to a California State University, a University of California or a private nonprofit institution. Like many first-time students, we explored our options and built contingency plans. Yet California's transfer pathways are not designed to provide such flexibility. Eligibility requirements vary across systems, with CSU and UC maintaining their own preferred pathways."

Nationally, 80 percent of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor's degree, but only 17 percent of community college students in California complete a bachelor's within six years. Significant inequities by race, ethnicity, income, and age reduce transfer success. Transfer students need sustained attention and support beyond celebratory events. Three priorities must be addressed to improve outcomes. One priority is aligning and streamlining transfer pathways to create flexibility for learners. California's transfer pathways currently impose varied eligibility requirements across systems and additional local campus or program prerequisites. These complexities hinder student planning and mobility between community colleges, CSU, UC, and private institutions.

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