What’s Wrong With Transfer?

An overwhelming majority of community-college students hope to continue their education at a four-year institution, yet despite decades of concern and dedicated efforts to improve the process, transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution remains stubbornly problematic. Only a small number manage to make the leap — and an even tinier fraction eventually graduates. The transfer pathway is particularly difficult to navigate for those students who are low income, first generation, and/or from underrepresented backgrounds.

Why do these obstacles endure? And how can colleges do a better job eradicating the barriers standing in students’ way? Watch our explainer to gain a concise — yet comprehensive — understanding of the hurdles many transfer students encounter, and what can be done about them.

The video was created and animated by Crudo Creative.

The Different Voices of Student Success

The Chronicle’s resource center shares insights about improving student outcomes, social mobility, and the reskilling of workers in the higher-ed space.

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