Success rate of transfer students from community college to universities?

Does anyone have stats on how well community college students do when they transfer to four-year universities? I'm wondering if starting at a community college is a good path for me.

Community college is indeed a well-trodden pathway to a four-year university, and many students successfully make this transition. Nationally, about 80% of community college students state their intent to transfer to a four-year institution, but the actual transfer rate is closer to 25-33%, according to recent reports from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Once at a four-year institution, transfer students often perform as well as, or better than, students who began their studies at a four-year college. According to the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students, the graduation rate for community college students who transfer to a four-year institution is nearly identical to (and in some studies slightly higher than) that of students who started at a four-year college. This suggests that community college students are very much capable of succeeding at a four-year school.

Community college can be a good choice for many students due to smaller class sizes, lower costs, and the opportunity to solidify your academic and career goals before transitioning to a larger university. This choice is particularly good for those students who want to make sure they are prepared, both academically and financially, for a four-year institution.

The success of a transfer, however, requires careful planning. You would need to ensure your community college credits will transfer to your intended university. Meeting with a counselor at your community college and your prospective university early in your studies can help make this process smoother.

That being said, every student’s circumstances are unique, and you should make a decision that suits you best.