Community college transfer rates in California

I've heard mixed things about the transfer rates for community colleges in California. How successful are community college students in transferring to four-year universities, and what factors might impact this rate? Is there a reliable way to find detailed information?

The success rate of transferring from a community college to a four-year university in California can indeed vary, depending on a multitude of factors. Let's begin by looking at the overall statistics.

In 2020-21, among students who have earned at least 12 units, approximately 142,600 students transferred to a four-year university. About 70% of these students transferred to a University of California or California State University campus. Of these students, 30% of these students transferred to an in-state or out-of-state private institution. The number of transfer students has increased since 2015-16; however, the system has not yet achieved the goal of increasing transfers to UC/CSU by 35% over this baseline year. According to the Student Success Metrics cohort view, among students who have earned at least 12 units, around one in eight students transferred to a four-year institution within three years. Around one in six students transferred to a four-year institution within four years.

These rates can, however, vary significantly depending on certain factors. Some of these factors include a student's socioeconomic status, academic preparation, and the resources that are available at the community college. For instance, students attending colleges with strong transfer advising programs and resources tend to have higher transfer rates.

Other critical factors might include the individual degree programs and the student's commitment level or available time. Students who attend full-time, complete their general education requirements and follow an organized transfer pathway often have better success rates.

The best way to get detailed information is usually to research specific colleges directly. Many community colleges provide their own individual transfer success rates on their college website or through their transfer advising offices. Additionally, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office provides a detailed "Student Success Scorecard" online, which provides information about how many students are achieving their educational goals at each community college in California.

Lastly, speaking to a counselor at the community college can also be incredibly beneficial as they might have firsthand knowledge of the success rates and strategies for successful transfer. They can provide information about transfer agreements with particular four-year universities, which can enhance the odds of transfer. This data, combined with your personal academic record and plans, can help you have a deeper understanding of your own potential to transfer successfully.