Beginning your college career at an accredited community college and transferring to a four year college is not a new practice, but this pathway to higher education has become increasingly more common over the years. According to The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, nearly half of the students (49%) who received a bachelor’s degree in 2016 had previously attended a community college. Regardless if you go straight into a four year college after high school, or transfer to a four year college from a community college, the end result is the same at graduation: a bachelor’s degree with the four year college’s name on the diploma.
The benefits of attending community college:
- The cost of tuition is significantly less. This can mean less loans, more money to transfer to a college you may not have been able to afford, and a better chance to be able to afford graduate school.
- Close proximity to home.
- Flexibility of schedule with both day and night classes available.
- Smaller classrooms and more individual attention from professors.
- More time to mature, develop good study habits, and explore fields of study.
How community colleges and four-year colleges have evolved:
A growing number of four-year colleges now have working relationships with local community colleges. More and more community colleges have streamlined the process of transferring by having an articulation agreement with four-year colleges. This agreement between the schools defines the policies and procedures of your transfer and will specify which courses will count toward a bachelor's degree helping to make a smooth and welcoming transition.
Many colleges now have specific transfer groups that students can join to become acclimated to their new environment and help them feel comfortable. This may help them to make the most of their college experience by becoming aware of campus activities, attain academic support, and become familiar with the culture of the institution. Some four year colleges also have a summer bridge program that is focused on helping with the transition. He or she can participate in this program during the summer(s) before they transfer, while still attending community college.
Steps to take once you are enrolled in community college:
The time you take to plan out your curriculum will pay off significantly in helping you gain acceptance into the four year college of your choice and in the transferring of credits. The key to doing this begins with early planning.
1) Meet with your academic counselor at the community college.
One of the first things you should do to create your plan is to meet with your academic counselor. Discuss what your plans and goals are and sign up for the transfer program. Most transfer programs assume that you will complete your first two years at community college, then transfer to a four-year college as a junior. You will want to choose the classes that will put you in the best academic light and create a plan to help you transfer the maximum number of credits. Academic counselors are a valuable resource to your educational success and should be met with at least once a semester.
2) Research the four year colleges you are interested in transferring to.
View college websites and speak to the admissions counselor to understand the process of transition. It is a good practice to do this every semester, as the procedure could change. Some important areas to inquire about the four year college are:
• Do they offer the major you are considering?
• What are the admissions requirements and deadlines?
• What is the cost of tuition?
• What credits will transfer to a specific major?
• What scholarships are available to transfer students?
3) Ask for letters of recommendation from your community college professors.
To help your chances of getting into the four year college of your choice, consider asking for letters of recommendation from your professors to submit with your application. To give your professor ample time, you may want to ask them for the letter at least a semester before you are ready to actually apply.
4) Apply to the four year college(s) of your choice.
It is advisable to apply to at least 3 colleges you are interested in. Understand what the transfer program entails for each college and keep track of the process and deadlines. It will benefit you to be proactive during this process and make sure the applications, fees, transcripts, and financial aid applications do not get lost in the process. Many colleges have a portal on their website you can visit to track the transfer process, or you can call the admissions office to inquire about the status.
5) Apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Research and apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants throughout your college career until you graduate. It is a good practice to keep up with new opportunities to help with college costs regularly and track deadlines to apply. For more information you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Carol Chaudet
Last Updated (06/30/2017)