U.S. Government Publications About Community College Transfer Students

CURRENT NATIONAL STUDIES ABOUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS AND TRANSFER

• Horn, L. & Griffith, J. (2006, June).  Profile of undergraduates in U.S. postsecondary education institutions: 2003-04 with special analysis of community college students. (Report No. NCES 2006-184). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

Abstract: This report is the fifth in a series of reports that accompany the release of the data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). This report includes an   analysis of community college students, examining the relationship between a measure of students’ degree commitment and their likelihood of maintaining their enrollment over the 1-year period under study. The study developed a taxonomy called the Community College Track, which classifies students’ degree commitment (more, less, or not committed) based on their reported intentions of completing a program of study (transfer, associates degree, certificate, or no degree) and their attendance status (at least half time or not) within their program of study. Overall, some 49 percent of community college students were classified as “more committed,” 39 percent as “less committed” and 12 percent as “not committed.” The two largest groups were students classified as “more committed” in transfer programs (29 percent) and “less committed” in general associate’s degree programs (17 percent). The results indicate that students who demonstrate a relatively strong commitment to completing a program of study (i.e., they explicitly report that either transfer or degree completion are reasons for attending and they attend classes at least half time) are very likely to maintain their enrollment for one year. Some 83 percent of the “more committed” students did so, compared with 70 percent of “less committed” and 58 percent of those designated as “not committed.”

• Hoachlander, G. Sikora, A.C., & Horn, L. (2003, June).Community college students: Goals, academic preparation, and outcomes. (Report No. NCES 2003-16). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

Abstract: This report provides information on the varying goals, preparation, and outcomes of community college students using 3 different data sources. Although educational objectives vary among students enrolled in community colleges, most students say they desire a formal credential, either from the community college or through transfer to a 4-year institution. Controlling for student objective and ignoring those who do not seek a certificate or degree, between 40 and 50 percent of students who first enrolled in a community college had attained a credential within 6 to 8 years. An additional 12 to 13 percent had not attained a credential but had transferred to a 4-year institution.

• Bradburn, E.M. & Hurst, D. G., & Peng, S. (2001, June). Community college transfer rates to 4-year institutions using alternative definitions of transfer. (NCES 2001-197). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
  

Abstract: This report examines and compares community college transfer rates using various definitions of transfers.