I'm curious about the success stories of transferring from community college to a university. What are the graduation rates for students who transfer? Trying to figure out if this is a good path to consider.
Community college to university transfer can indeed be a successful path. It can be a cost-effective route, it can give students more time to clarify their academic and career goals, and it can provide a second chance to those who may not have been ready to directly enter a four-year college after high school.
As for graduation rates, there's some variety depending on the report you're looking at. They vary by source, but graduation rates among community college transfers tend to be higher for those who complete an associate degree before they transfer.
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the specific schools involved, the degree programs, and other factors. For example, the data will be different for a student who transfers to a highly competitive four-year university versus a student who transfers to a less competitive four-year university.
However, regardless of the specifics, many students successfully transfer from community colleges to four-year institutions and go on to graduate. To increase your chances of being one of these students, you may want to target your community college classes toward the requirements at universities you might want to transfer to, maintain a strong GPA, develop a relationship with an advisor who can help you navigate the transfer process, and research transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities.
Starting at a community college can lead to great success, but it’s important for you to plan accordingly and be aware of the requirements for the degree programs and universities you plan to apply to. Developing a well-informed plan can greatly facilitate your path from community college to a four-year university.
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