Transfer into West Virginia Public Four-Year Institutions: Student Characteristics, Outcomes, and Application of Articulation Agreements

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Community College Student Success

Abstract

The researchers employ West Virginia student-level data at public four-year institutions to explore volume and type of transfer as well as transfer student characteristics, retention rates, graduation rates, and credits to degree as compared with non-transfer students. Transcript analysis of transfer students who graduate is utilized to understand how the state articulation agreement is applied by institutions in terms of number of credits transferred, how transfer credits are counted, and total number of credits earned for graduation. A number of factors affecting completeness of credit transfer are explored. The findings are important for researchers seeking to understand factors affecting completion and for policymakers and institution administrators assessing the adequacy of existing transfer policy and practice in promoting efficient transfer.

Authors

• Angela Diane Bell, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

• Robert E. Anderson, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission