ERIC Number: EJ1465750
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Apr
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0091-5521
EISSN: EISSN-1940-2325
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Exploring Transfer: A Liberal Arts Program for Community College Students
Biniam Tesfamariam1; Charlotte C. Gullick1; Wendy Maragh Taylor1; Christopher Bjork1; Elizabeth H. Bradley1
Community College Review, v53 n2 p246-261 2025
Objective: Although most community college students intend to transfer to a 4-year college, few ultimately do. We sought to assess how student experiences of the Exploring Transfer (ET) program influenced transfer rates. The ET program was offered by a private, 4-year liberal arts college. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional survey of students who completed the ET program between 2008 and 2021 and could be reached by email (87% or N = 318 had valid email addresses). We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, educational outcomes, and perceptions of the value of ET, as well as an open-ended item asking respondents how ET influenced their subsequent educational, employment, and life trajectory. We employed logistic regression to explore factors associated with 4-year completion rates. We used the constant comparative method to identify recurrent themes from the open-ended responses. Results: About 70% of the respondents (N = 146, response rate of 46%) had completed their baccalaureate degree, and an additional 15% were either currently enrolled or accepted and planning to enroll in 4-year college. We found most graduates strongly valued their experience, and students of color were more likely to have completed their 4-year degree. Emergent themes pertained to instrumental and logistical support, critical thinking and writing skills, and psychosocial factors that enabled subsequent 4-year degree completion. Conclusion: Four-year degree completion rates were substantial among ET graduates. Scaling up the use of ET-like programs in additional institutions--perhaps as part of a national strategy to increase community college student transfer rates--could help students realize the benefits of a 4-year degree.
Descriptors: Community Colleges, Community College Students, Transfer of Training, Transfer Policy, Transfer Programs, Transfer Students, Transfer Rates (College), Program Development, Program Effectiveness, Program Implementation, Summer Programs, Transitional Programs, Liberal Arts, Graduation Rate, Student Development, Student Attitudes, Critical Thinking, Writing Skills, Academic Achievement, Student Educational Objectives
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA