Why So Many Community College Students Never Transfer To A Four-Year University

On paper, it makes sense for many graduating high school seniors and adults looking to earn a new degree to consider a community college. The cost is a lot less than a traditional four-year school and it can provide an opportunity to knock out a few of those introductory courses that can then be transferred to another university … at least in theory.

But in practice, far fewer community college students actually make that leap than you might think. And there are a few major reasons why.

Tyre’k’s Story

Although there are countless examples of students who become disillusioned by the process of navigating a transfer from community college to a university, let’s take a look at one twentysomthing’s experience.

Tyre’k Swanigan’s goal was to attend Indiana University, but he opted to start his secondary education at the community college level. It started off smoothly enough, but when he heard from a recruiter at his chosen university, he received the disappointing news that many of the credits he’d already earned wouldn’t transfer.

Ultimately, he decided to withdraw from community college like so many of his like-minded peers.

Change of plans

Studies show that a whopping 83% of individuals who enroll in community college plan to transfer. In reality, however, a paltry 13% of those students earn a degree from a four-year college within eight years.

And Tyre’k’s experience is all too familiar, says University of Southern California professor Huriya Jabbar, who blamed the “bureaucratic hurdles” and “opaque transfer policies” that make it difficult for many students to navigate the shift from community college to a four-year institution.

Some states are trying to make it easier through legislation — but in the meantime, if you’re considering community college, make sure you know what you’re getting into before you enroll.

Chris Agee August 23rd, 2024

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